Transcript What were the major achievements of west Africans civilizations?

WHAT WERE THE MAJOR
ACHIEVEMENTS OF WEST AFRICANS
CIVILIZATIONS?
Coach Smith
In this lesson, students will be able to define the following
terms:
Trans-Saharan Trade
Mansa Musa
Pilgrimage
The Five Pillars of Islam
After the demise
of Ghana, the
West African
Kingdom of Mali
emerged as
a great
trading empire.
Coach Smith
Trans-Saharan Trade



The Trans-Saharan trade was a trade across the
Sahara desert.
This trade connected North Africa and West Africa.
North African salt and other goods were
exchanged for West African gold.
Coach Smith
The Trans-Saharan trade connected
North Africa and West Africa.
Coach Smith
The Kingdom of Mali



The rulers of Mali took control of the gold fields.
By controlling the gold fields, the rulers of Mali
greatly increased the kingdom’s revenue.
Traders entering and exiting the kingdom were also
taxed.
Coach Smith
Mansa Musa was a great king of Mali.
Coach Smith
Mansa Musa



The most powerful king of Mali was Mansa Musa.
Mansa Musa set up a great center of learning in
Timbuktu.
He also expanded the empire.
Coach Smith
A great center for learning was
established in Timbuktu.
Coach Smith
Conversion to Islam



Mansa Musa converted to Islam.
He made a pilgrimage to Mecca. Pilgrimage to
Mecca is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
During his pilgrimage, Mansa Musa gave away a
tremendous amount of gold.
Coach Smith
Mansa Musa was a famous ruler of
Mali. He expanded his empire,
established a great center for learning,
and made a pilgrimage to Mecca.
Coach Smith
The Five Pillars

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The Five Pillars of Islam:
Belief in One God
Pray five times a day facing the holy city of
Mecca
Fasting during Ramadan
Charity to the Poor
Pilgrimage or holy trip to Mecca
Coach Smith
The Hajj is
the pilgrimage
to Mecca. A
Muslim must
visit Mecca, the
birthplace of the
Prophet, once in
his lifetime, if able.
Coach Smith
Mecca is a
holy city to
Muslims. It
is the birthplace
of the Prophet
Muhammad.
Coach Smith
Questions for Reflection:




What was the Trans-Saharan trade and how did it
increase cultural diffusion?
Who was the most significant ruler of Mali and why
was he important?
Why did this ruler take a pilgrimage to Mecca?
What are the Five Pillars of Islam?
Coach Smith