Mali Empire JSS 2 Assignment History

1. Three Western Sudanese Empires: a. Ghana Empire: Flourished from the 4th to the 11th century, located in present-day southeastern Mauritania and western Mali. It was renowned for its gold trade and had a strong central authority.

b. Mali Empire: Emerged around the 13th century, extending over parts of present-day Mali, Senegal, and Guinea. Led by notable rulers like Mansa Musa, it became a center of wealth, education, and Islamic culture.

c. Songhai Empire: Thrived from the 15th to the 16th century, covering areas of present-day Mali, Niger, and Nigeria. It was the largest of the three empires and a prominent center for trade and scholarship.

2. Original Name of Ancient Ghana Empire:

• The original name of the ancient Ghana Empire was Wagadou. This West African state was a powerful trading empire known for its control of the gold trade.

3. Social Structure of Ancient Ghana Empire:

• The social structure of ancient Ghana was hierarchical:
  • King: At the top of the hierarchy, the king served as the ruler and held significant political and religious authority.
  • Nobles: The elite class consisted of nobles who held important administrative and advisory roles in the kingdom.
  • Warriors: The military class played a crucial role in defending the empire and expanding its territories.
  • Common People: The majority of the population engaged in various occupations such as farming, trading, and craftsmanship.
• Trade and Economy: The Ghana Empire thrived due to its control of trans-Saharan trade routes, particularly the gold trade. Salt, ivory, and other commodities were also exchanged.
• Religion and Culture: The empire embraced Islam, and the king often played a dual role as both a political and spiritual leader. Islamic influences permeated the culture, but traditional African beliefs persisted.
• Administration: The king’s court handled administrative matters, and the empire had a system of provincial governors to manage different regions.
• Decline: The Ghana Empire faced challenges from internal strife, external invasions, and the changing dynamics of trade routes, leading to its eventual The Western Sudanese Empires, including Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, __________ between the 8th and 16th centuries, significantly impacting West Africa’s cultural and economic development. a. Emerged b. Flourished c. Declined d. Disappeared declined