Guiding Questions:
- How did Mali’s abundant gold resources shape its economy and trade relationships?
- What were the major trade routes connecting Mali to other regions, and what goods were exchanged besides gold?
- How did Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage to Mecca demonstrate Mali’s economic power and influence on the global stage?
- In what ways did Mali’s economic system compare and contrast with that of the Song Dynasty in China?
- What lasting impact did Mali’s gold trade have on global economies and trade networks?
- How did Mali’s economic practices impact its relationships with neighboring states and empires?
Visual Representation Prompts:
- Create a map highlighting Mali’s trade routes, showcasing the flow of gold and other commodities across regions.
- Design a visual timeline illustrating key events and figures involved in Mali’s gold trade, including Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage.
- Construct a comparative chart or infographic contrasting Mali’s economic system with that of the Song Dynasty, highlighting similarities and differences.
- Illustrate the concept of “silent trade” and its role in Mali’s gold trade.
- Develop a visual representation of the effects of Mali’s gold trade on different regions across Afro-Eurasia.
Engagement Tips:
- Use gold accents (like lines or symbols) in your map and timeline to visually represent Mali’s wealth.
- Include a simple image of a trade caravan or market in your presentation.
- Create a brief, interactive map where classmates can trace one trade route.
- Show the effects of Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage using a quick infographic.
- Use a simple diagram to explain how “silent trade” worked.
- Include one slide comparing the uses of gold in Mali and another empire.