PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Compare the major contributions of Medieval African kingdoms.
Ghana : one of the richest Feudal African empires
Mali: The Mali Empire grew and prospered by monopolizing the gold trade and developing the agricultural resources along the Niger River
Songhai: Gao, Songhai’s capital, which remains to this day a small Niger River trading center, was home to the famous Goa Mosque and the Tomb of Askia, the most important of the Songhai emperors.
How did geography affect the development of the African civilizations?
They only ruled the vast savannas , because of the rain forests that came after them. But soon they started farming in the clear areas in the rain forests. And this resulted in a surplus of crops.
How did trade impact the kingdoms: Mali, Ghana, and Songhai?
Rain forest kingdoms that bordered on the dry savannas traded a surplus food and crafts for copper, salt, and leather goods from the savannas.
Fun facts
1. The salt trade began in the Middle Ages
2. The salt trade became a successful trade for the African people
3. In the ancient times, salt was so desirable that every ounce was traded for gold
4. In ancient times, before refrigerators or canned foods were invented, salt was used to keep foods from going bad
