What is Timbuktu History JSS 2 Second Term Lesson Notes

Timbuktu is a historic city located in Mali, West Africa. It gained prominence as a major center of trade, scholarship, and Islamic culture during the medieval period. Timbuktu is situated on the southern edge of the Sahara Desert and was a key hub for trans-Saharan trade routes.

During the Mali Empire, especially under the rule of Mansa Musa in the 14th century, Timbuktu became a center of wealth and learning. The city was renowned for its mosques, madrasas (Islamic schools), and libraries, making it a significant cultural and intellectual center in the region.

Timbuktu’s libraries housed numerous manuscripts containing valuable knowledge on subjects like science, mathematics, medicine, literature, and Islamic studies. The city’s historical importance and contributions to learning have earned it a place in the collective memory as a symbol of African intellectual and cultural heritage.

1. Timbuktu is located in the country of ________. a. Ghana b. Mali c. Senegal d. Niger
2. Timbuktu gained prominence as a major center of ________ during the medieval period. a. Agriculture b. Trade c. Fishing d. Mining
3. The city of Timbuktu is situated on the southern edge of the ________ Desert. a. Sahara b. Kalahari c. Arabian d. Gobi
4. During which historical empire did Timbuktu become a significant center of trade and culture? a. Roman Empire b. Ottoman Empire c. Mali Empire d. Persian Empire
5. Mansa Musa, a ruler of the ________ Empire, contributed to the prosperity of Timbuktu. a. Ghana b. Mali c. Songhai d. Axum
6. Timbuktu was known for its mosques, madrasas, and ________ during its medieval heyday. a. Markets b. Palaces c. Libraries d. Forts
7. The city of Timbuktu was a key hub for trans-Saharan ________ routes. a. Maritime b. Trade c. Nomadic d. Agricultural
8. Scholars in Timbuktu wrote and preserved manuscripts containing knowledge on various subjects, including ________. a. Science b. Literature c. Medicine d. All of the above
9. Timbuktu is often considered a symbol of African ________ and cultural heritage. a. Intellectual b. Industrial c. Agricultural d. Nomadic
10. The historical significance of Timbuktu extends to its contributions in the field of ________ studies. a. Islamic b. Hindu c. Buddhist d. Christian
11. Trans-Saharan trade routes connected Timbuktu to other regions, facilitating the exchange of goods such as ________. a. Gold b. Salt c. Ivory d. All of the above
12. Timbuktu’s libraries housed numerous manuscripts written in languages such as ________. a. Arabic b. Berber c. Songhai d. All of the above
13. The city of Timbuktu is located along the banks of the ________ River. a. Niger b. Nile c. Congo d. Zambezi
14. Mansa Musa is often remembered for his ________ pilgrimage, during which he showcased the wealth of the Mali Empire. a. Mecca b. Jerusalem c. Varanasi d. Lumbini
15. Timbuktu’s historical importance is tied to its role as a center for both trade and ________ pursuits. a. Artistic b. Military c. Academic d. Agricultural