| A | B |
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| What is a griot? | a person who passes down customs, history, legend, art and poetry through storytelling. |
| How did Sundiata and his armies extend Mali's trade empire? | He extended the borders of Mali's empire and the king expanded the empire's trade in all directions. Eventually Mali controlled new salt, copper, and gold mines. |
| What effect did West African rulers' conversion to Islam have on the empire? | As Muslims, their empire became a part of the larger Muslim world because of the belief in the "brotherhood of all believers". The empire could fully take part in trade with Muslim countries and take advantage of Muslim scholarship. |
| How did Askia Muhammad's strong rule help Songhai become such a great trade empire? | He unified the empire by declaring Islam the state religion. He expanded Songhai's borders and established its cities as great centers of learning. Trade grew as increasing numbers of Muslim traders were attracted to Songhai. |
| What events led tot he development of the great trade empires of Mali and Songhai? | Under strong Muslim leaders, both empires expanded their borders and control of trade. Scholarship and trade flourished because of their belief in the brotherhood of believers of all Muslims. |
| What are some of the things the three empires of Mali, Songhai and Ghana had in common? | These three empires all had strong leaders and a well-organized government. They controlled the salt-gold exchange and were influenced by Muslim traders. |
| Why were all the capitals of the great West African trade empires located on the Niger River? | The Niger was used as a trade highway. Kings could exercise better control of trade from cities central to this activity. |
| Chronologically list the three great West African empires. | Ghana, Mali, Songhai |
