Mali Empire: A powerful empire in West Africa that flourished from the 13th to the 16th century, known for wealth, trade, and cultural development.

Mansa Musa: The emperor of Mali from c.1312 to c.1337, famous for his wealth, his pilgrimage to Mecca, and promoting Islam.

Hajj: The Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, which Mansa Musa undertook, showcasing his wealth and religious devotion.

Gold and Salt Trade: The main economic activities of the Mali Empire, vital for its wealth and power.

Cultural Exchange: The sharing of ideas, religion, and culture, which was enhanced by Mansa Musa’s travels.

Caravan: A group of traders traveling together across deserts, used by Mali traders to transport gold and salt.

Islamic Influence: The spread of Islamic religion and culture through Mansa Musa’s reign and pilgrimage.

Wealth: The abundance of resources like gold, which made Mansa Musa one of the richest rulers in history.

Question 1:

Define the following terms: a) Mali Empire b) Mansa Musa c) Hajj d) Gold and Salt Trade e) Caravans (Total 5 marks)

Question 2:

Explain the significance of Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage to Mecca. (3 marks)

marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Highlights his wealth and generosity", "Strengthened Islamic ties and religious legitimacy", "Increased recognition of Mali across the world", "Promoted trade and cultural exchange" ], "model_answer": "Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage to Mecca was significant because it showcased his wealth and generosity, strengthened Islamic ties, and increased Mali’s recognition globally, promoting trade and cultural exchange." }

Question 3:

Compare how Mansa Musa’s wealth affected Mali and the wider world. (4 marks)

marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Brought fame and recognition to Mali", "Led to increased trade opportunities", "Influenced the spread of Islam in West Africa", "Contributed to economic prosperity and cultural development" ], "model_answer": "Mansa Musa’s wealth brought fame to Mali, increased trade opportunities, spread Islam, and contributed to Mali’s economic and cultural prosperity." }

Question 4:

Outline the main reasons why Mansa Musa is considered one of the most powerful rulers in history. (4 marks)

marking: { "indicative_content": [ "His immense wealth and resources", "His influence over trade routes", "His promotion of Islam and cultural achievements", "His diplomatic and religious leadership" ], "model_answer": "Mansa Musa is considered one of the most powerful rulers because of his wealth, influence over trade, promotion of Islam, and his leadership in diplomacy and culture." }

Question 5:

Analyse the impact of Mansa Musa’s promotion of Islam on West African society. (4 marks)

marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Spread of Islamic religion and practices", "Building of mosques and educational institutions", "Strengthening of Islamic law and culture", "Increased connections with the wider Islamic world" ], "model_answer": "Mansa Musa’s promotion of Islam led to the widespread adoption of Islamic practices, the building of mosques and schools, stronger Islamic cultural influence, and better connections with the wider Islamic world." }

Question 6:

Write a short paragraph explaining how Mansa Musa’s wealth influenced trade in West Africa. (4 marks)

marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Enabled Mali to control major trade routes", "Attracted traders from other regions", "Led to the development of cities like Timbuktu", "Increased the flow of gold and salt trade" ], "model_answer": "Mansa Musa’s wealth allowed Mali to control key trade routes, attract traders, develop important trading cities like Timbuktu, and increase the gold and salt trade, boosting the economy." }

Question 7:

Compare the cultural achievements of Mansa Musa’s reign with those of other rulers in West Africa. (4 marks)

marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Promotion of Islamic learning and architecture", "Construction of mosques and universities", "Support for arts, literature, and education", "Influence on regional cultural development" ], "model_answer": "Mansa Musa’s reign was distinguished by the promotion of Islamic learning and architecture, construction of mosques and universities, support for arts and literature, and his influence on regional culture, comparable to other West African rulers who supported similar developments." }

Question 8:

Outline the reasons why Mansa Musa’s reign is considered a golden age for Mali. (4 marks)

marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Economic prosperity due to gold and trade", "Cultural and religious growth", "Expansion of Islamic influence", "Development of cities and education" ], "model_answer": "Mansa Musa’s reign is considered a golden age because of Mali’s economic prosperity, cultural and religious growth, expansion of Islamic influence, and the development of cities and education." }