1. Identify which factor supported both Axum and the Swahili city-states in trading with other nations.
A. Trade
B. lack of competition
C. language
D. location
2. What can we infer happened to the Axum Empire after 1100 CE?
A. The economic system fell apart due to overexpansion.
B. It was destroyed by a rival empire.
C. It lost influence as the Swahili city-states gained prominence.
D. It stopped trading entirely.
3. Describe a major factor in the longevity of the Swahili city-states’ influence.
A. the number of cities along the coast overwhelming any competitors
B. the weather along the coastal area allowing for an increase in farming
C. the wide variety of goods that they offered
D. the trade network that connected the city-states to other powers in the Indian Ocean
4. Which statement best describes how physical geography contributed to the decline of West African empires?
A. Salt was overmined, leading to shortages and protests by miners who demanded more gold for their work.
B. Periods of drought led to declines in food production and increased migration of people seeking better conditions.
C. Hurricanes forced many to migrate east toward central Africa, which reduced the size of the armies.
D. Landslides and flooding destroyed villages, causing the population to use violence to gain food.
5. Explain the significance of Timbuktu in West Africa
A. Timbuktu was the capital of the Nok culture.
B. Timbuktu was a popular tourist destination.
C. Timbuktu was a center for learning similar to the institutions that preceded universities in Europe.
D. Timbuktu was the origin point of iron-smelting in West Africa.
1. A. Trade
2. C. It lost influence as the Swahili city-states gained prominence.
3. D. the trade network that connected the city-states to other powers in the Indian Ocean
4. B. Periods of drought led to declines in food production and increased migration of people seeking better conditions.
5. C. Timbuktu was a center for learning similar to the institutions that preceded universities in Europe.
1. The factor that supported both Axum and the Swahili city-states in trading with other nations is A. Trade. Both civilizations had extensive trading networks and engaged in long-distance trade with other nations, allowing them to acquire valuable goods and resources.
2. After 1100 CE, we can infer that the Axum Empire lost influence as the Swahili city-states gained prominence. This is option C. It is believed that the Swahili city-states became more economically powerful and their trading activities began to overshadow those of the Axum Empire, leading to a decline in the latter's influence.
3. A major factor in the longevity of the Swahili city-states' influence was the trade network that connected them to other powers in the Indian Ocean. This is option D. The city-states had established extensive trade routes with various regions, allowing for the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural influences. This trade network played a significant role in sustaining their economic and political power over an extended period.
4. The statement that best describes how physical geography contributed to the decline of West African empires is B. Periods of drought led to declines in food production and increased migration of people seeking better conditions. West Africa is prone to periods of drought, and these droughts can have a severe impact on agricultural productivity. They can lead to decreased food production, which in turn can lead to famine, population displacement, and social instability. These factors can contribute to the decline of empires as they struggle to sustain their populations and maintain political control.
5. The significance of Timbuktu in West Africa is that it was a center for learning similar to the institutions that preceded universities in Europe. This is option C. Timbuktu was a major center of Islamic learning and scholarship in the medieval period. It was home to numerous universities, libraries, and mosques, attracting scholars from across Africa and the Islamic world. The intellectual achievements of Timbuktu made it a renowned center of knowledge and cultural exchange in West Africa.
1. The correct answer is A. Trade. Both Axum and the Swahili city-states relied heavily on trade with other nations to support their economies. Trade allowed them to acquire valuable goods and resources, establish diplomatic and cultural connections with other civilizations, and generate wealth and prosperity for their societies.
To answer this question, we can identify the common factor by understanding the historical context of both Axum and the Swahili city-states. Axum, located in present-day Ethiopia, was strategically positioned along the Red Sea and had access to both the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. This advantageous location facilitated trade routes between Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Axum benefited from its trade in valuable commodities such as ivory, gold, and luxury goods.
Similarly, the Swahili city-states, situated along the East African coast, served as intermediaries between the interior of Africa and the Indian Ocean trade network. These city-states developed prosperous economies by participating in the Indian Ocean trade network, which involved the exchange of goods such as gold, ivory, spices, slaves, and manufactured items between Africa, Arabia, India, and China.
2. The correct answer is C. It lost influence as the Swahili city-states gained prominence. Based on the information given in the question, we can infer that the Axum Empire declined in influence after 1100 CE. This decline can be attributed to the rise of the Swahili city-states, which emerged as dominant trading powers in the region during that period.
To arrive at this answer, we need to understand the historical events and changes that occurred in the region. Around the 11th and 12th centuries, the Swahili city-states along the East African coast, such as Kilwa, Mombasa, and Zanzibar, experienced significant growth and prosperity. These city-states established strong maritime trade networks, attracted merchants from various regions, and accumulated wealth and influence. As a result, the Swahili city-states became key players in Indian Ocean trade, overshadowing the once-mighty Axum Empire.
3. The correct answer is D. The trade network that connected the city-states to other powers in the Indian Ocean. One major factor in the longevity of the Swahili city-states' influence was the extensive trade network they established, connecting them to other powers in the Indian Ocean.
To understand this factor, we need to examine the trading patterns and economic activities of the Swahili city-states. These city-states acted as intermediaries in long-distance trade between the interior regions of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Indian subcontinent. They facilitated the exchange of goods such as gold, ivory, spices, slaves, and textiles. The Swahili city-states also developed their own unique products, such as intricately carved wooden furniture and pottery, which were highly sought after in international markets.
By participating in this extensive trade network, the Swahili city-states were able to maintain economic prosperity and political influence for an extended period. The trade connections provided them with access to valuable resources, technological advancements, and cultural exchange, contributing to their longevity as influential centers of commerce and culture.
4. The correct answer is B. Periods of drought led to declines in food production and increased migration of people seeking better conditions. Physical geography played a role in the decline of West African empires through factors such as droughts, which negatively impacted food production and led to increased migration.
To understand this factor, we can examine the geography and climate of West Africa. The region is characterized by diverse ecosystems, including the Sahel, the savannah, and the rainforest. These ecosystems are influenced by the climate patterns of the region, which can vary from wet and dry seasons.
During periods of drought, which can last for years, there is a decline in rainfall and an overall scarcity of water. This scarcity affects agricultural productivity, leading to decreased food production and economic hardships for the communities reliant on farming. As a result, people may be forced to migrate in search of better conditions, including access to water, fertile land, and opportunities for survival.
The migrations caused by droughts can contribute to social and political instability, as populations compete for limited resources. This competition can strain the infrastructure and capabilities of existing empires, potentially leading to their decline or fragmentation.
5. The correct answer is C. Timbuktu was a center for learning similar to the institutions that preceded universities in Europe. Timbuktu played a significant role as a center for learning and intellectual exchange in West Africa.
To understand the significance of Timbuktu, we need to examine its historical context during the West African empires' golden age, particularly the Mali Empire. Timbuktu, located in present-day Mali, flourished as a major trading hub and intellectual center during the 14th to 16th centuries. It became renowned for its libraries, universities, and scholars who contributed to the fields of science, mathematics, astronomy, literature, and Islamic studies.
Timbuktu attracted scholars and students from across the Muslim world, including North Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. It was a hub of cultural and intellectual exchange, where manuscripts were written, copied, and preserved. These manuscripts served as valuable sources of knowledge and contributed to the dissemination of ideas and academic traditions.
The intellectual achievements and educational institutions of Timbuktu, such as the University of Sankore, reflected the vibrant intellectual and cultural life of West Africa. Timbuktu's significance as a center for learning helped solidify the region's reputation as a hub of scholarship and contributed to the preservation and advancement of knowledge in various fields.