The great trade empires of West Africa grew out of the variousvegetation zones and the

What were the main occupations of early Africans?

How did the introduction of Christianity and Islam affect African states?

Locate Sahara, Great Rift Valley, Congo River, Kalahari Desert, Nubia, Ethiopia.

Explain the significance of Christianity in the history of Axum.

List Axums exports. What product led to King Ezanas decision to invade Kush?

Analyze Why did the rise of a new power in the region cause the decline of Kush?

Compare and Contrast Complete the chart below, comparing the occupations, natural resources, imports, and exports of Kush and Axum.

Compare the stele on this page with those pictured on pages 44 and 86. What are the similarities and differences?

Persuasive Writing Christian Axum traded peacefully with its Muslim neighbors. Do you think that two major religious groups can be peaceful neighbors? Write an essay explaining your opinion.

Science and Technology Why do people who live in the rain forest not keep cattle or animals?

Culture What was the official religion of Axum?

Geography Name at least four distinct geographic zones or geographic elements of Africa.

Geography What is the name of a major desert in Africa other than the Sahara?

Economics What made Mero a major trading center?

History Name the major trading states of Africa south of the Sahara.

Economics What was the highly desired item that Arab traders brought to Ghana from North Africa?

Culture What was a distinctive feature of the kings of Ghana as noticed by outside observers?

Government What contributions did Sundiata Keita make to Mali?

Culture How did Mansa Musa carry on the advances begun by Sundiata?

Citizenship What caused the decline of Mali?

History List the dynasties that prevailed in the kingdom of Songhai.

Economics Name the East African ports vital to the Indian Ocean trade network.

Culture What roles did slaves play in African society?

Economics What role did Berbers play in African trade?

Geography Identify two different trade routes across Africa.

Evaluating Explain the reasons for the devaluation of gold during the reign of Mansa Musa.

Analyzing Compare the growth of Islam with the expansion of trade between Africa and its Arab neighbors.

Expository Writing Through trade, many civilizations came in contact with each other. What civilizations outside of Africa did African kingdoms and states contact? How did these civilizations influence each other?

If you wish to know who I am, If you wish me to teach you what I know Cease for the while to be what you are. And forget what you know. According to the quote, what role does Tierno Bokar want to play in society?

Evaluate Bokars statement that the students must forget who they are and what they know to learn the teachers lesson. Do you think that it is essential to forget who you are and what you know in order to learn something new? Can you think of situations in which this would be good advice?

Creating a Database Create a database of 5 to 10 primary sources on early African civilization. Evaluate each source based on its language, correlation with other sources, and information about its author. Identify any bias the author reveals through his or her writing. State the reasons why you think the author is biased, and give examples to support your argument.

Why do you think the Ghanaians conducted silent trade? What difficulties of trade might this form of exchange solve? Can you think of another way to accomplish the same purpose?

Reread the Eyewitness to History feature on page 235. Decide how valuable first-person accounts are in understanding past cultures. Also decide if a writers cultural background influences the way in which an event is recorded. Give specific examples to support your decision.

The great trade empires of West Africa grew out of the various vegetation zones and the products they produced. For example, yams were better suited to one area, grazing animals to another. How would these differences account for growth in trade?

In what zone was palm oil produced?

Which zone produced the fewest number of different products? Where were most agricultural products grown?

In what zones were animals most plentiful? What geographical features allowed animals to thrive there?