Study Guide for Ancient Mali Test
Test on Friday, February 7th
BIG IDEAS to Understand
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A civilization is the type of culture developed by a certain country or
group or people.
Culture is a group of people’s way of life.
Culture is made up of people’s:
o 1) Government
o 2) Religion and customs/traditions
o 3) Language and education system
o 4) Agriculture, money, and trading
o 5) Geography
o 6) Architecture
People adapt to environments in different ways. The way they adapt
becomes part of their culture. For example, in Mali they had salt mines,
so salt became an important resource that they traded for other things
they needed.
Most of what we know about ancient history comes from stories handed
down through time.
IMPORTANT FACTS to Know
Government
 Mali was ruled by rich and powerful kings called mansas. These men
controlled trade and helped Mali become one of the largest and
wealthiest empires in West Africa.
 Mansa Musa and Sundiata were important kings in Mali.
Trade System
 Early Mali was a wealthy trading empire even before Columbus sailed to
America in 1492.
 Ancient Mali was a stop on many trade routes (caravans) between the
salt mines in the Sahara Desert and the gold mines in West Africa.
 Salt was a great natural resource for people in the desert. It was used to
preserve food and for people’s health.
 Gold was mined in West Africa. Salt was traded for gold. Gold was used
as money and to make jewelry.
 People ate fruits and grains (e.g. wheat, rice) for food and also raised
goats and sheep for milk and meat.
Important Places in Mali
 Timbuktu and Djenne were two important cities in Mali. Timbuktu had
a famous university with a large library of Greek and Roman books. It
was a very important city for trading caravans.
Traditions and Religion
 Malian storytellers, called griots, passed on traditions, stories, and
history from one generation to the next (from father to son)
 Mansa Musa spread Islam to Mali. The people who practice this religion
are called Muslims. Mosques are the buildings they worship in.
 Weaving and painting were important crafts in Mali.
Geography
 Mali is located in West Africa. It is located near the Niger River. It is in
the desert where it is dry and very hot. It is on the outer-edge of the
Sahara Desert, which is a desert about the size of the United States.
 Mali has gold and salt mines. The people of Mali were usually farmers,
traders, and miners.
 Ancient Mali was spread out farther than Mali today. Bamako is the
current capital of Mali.
Language and Education
 Arabic used to be the main language in Mali. Now, it is French.
 Only boys went to school in Ancient Mali.
Architecture
 Houses were built of bricks and didn’t have beds or chairs.
 Mosques were built for Muslims to practice their religion.
** What Else to Study **
Important Terms: Ancient Mali & Word Splash
Six Characteristics of a Civilization Ancient Mali
Mali Map & Mali Flag