1. E. Napp The West African Kingdom of Mali In this lesson, students will be able to define the following terms: Trans-Saharan Trade Mansa Musa Pilgrimage The Five Pillars of Islam

2. E. Napp After the demise of Ghana, the West African Kingdom of Mali emerged as a great trading empire.

3. E. Napp Trans-Saharan Trade The Trans-Saharan trade was a trade across the Sahara desert. This trade connected North Africa and West Africa. North African salt and other goods were exchanged for West African gold.

4. E. Napp The Trans-Saharan trade connected North Africa and West Africa.

5. E. Napp The Kingdom of Mali The rulers of Mali took control of the gold fields. By controlling the gold fields, the rulers of Mali greatly increased the kingdom’s revenue. Traders entering and exiting the kingdom were also taxed.

6. E. Napp Mansa Musa was a great king of Mali.

7. E. Napp Mansa Musa The most powerful king of Mali was Mansa Musa. Mansa Musa set up a great center of learning in Timbuktu. He also expanded the empire.

8. E. Napp A great center for learning was established in Timbuktu.

9. E. Napp Conversion to Islam Mansa Musa converted to Islam. He made a pilgrimage to Mecca. Pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. During his pilgrimage, Mansa Musa gave away a tremendous amount of gold.

10. E. Napp Mansa Musa was a famous ruler of Mali. He expanded his empire, established a great center for learning, and made a pilgrimage to Mecca.

11. E. Napp The Five Pillars The Five Pillars of Islam: 1.Belief in One God 2.Pray five times a day facing the holy city of Mecca 3.Fasting during Ramadan 4.Charity to the Poor 5.Pilgrimage or holy trip to Mecca

12. E. Napp The Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca. A Muslim must visit Mecca, the birthplace of the Prophet, once in his lifetime, if able.

13. E. Napp Mecca is a holy city to Muslims. It is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad.

14. E. Napp Questions for Reflection: What was the Trans-Saharan trade and how did it increase cultural diffusion? Who was the most significant ruler of Mali and why was he important? Why did this ruler take a pilgrimage to Mecca? What are the Five Pillars of Islam?