The Mali Empire: Gold & Salt Trade
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This worksheet examines the importance of the gold and salt trade in the Mali Empire, encouraging students to understand its economic and cultural significance through reading comprehension questions.
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The Mali Empire: Gold & Salt Trade
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The Role of Gold and Salt in the Mali Empire
Source A: Description of Trade in the Mali Empire
The Mali Empire was famous for its wealth, much of which came from the trade of gold and salt. Gold was abundant in the region and highly valued across Africa and beyond, while salt was essential for preserving food and maintaining health. Traders traveled long distances across the Sahara Desert to exchange these goods, which helped Mali prosper.
Historian View: Historians believe that the control of gold and salt trade routes was crucial for Mali’s rise to power and wealth, enabling it to develop a sophisticated society and support its rulers.
Source B: Excerpt from a Medieval Trade Record
'The traders carry gold from the forests of Bambuk and salt from the deserts of Taghaza. These goods are exchanged in the markets of Timbuktu and Djenne, fueling the Empire’s economy.'
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Details
- Created
- 1/1/2026
- Updated
- 1/1/2026
- Type
- worksheet