,Grade 7 History Study Notes Term 1
The Kingdom of Mali and the City of
Timbuktu in the 14th Century.
These notes provide an overview of the key points about the Kingdom of Mali and the
city of Timbuktu in the 14th century, highlighting their importance in trade, culture,
and learning. The Kingdom of Mali, under the rule of Mansa Musa, became a powerful
empire known for its wealth and promotion of Islam. Timbuktu emerged as a vital
trade centre and hub of learning, attracting scholars and traders from across the
world. The legacy of this period is preserved through the Timbuktu manuscripts and its
designation as a World Heritage Site.
Trade Across the Sahara Desert
• Camel Caravans:
• Main means of transport across the Sahara.
• Camels, known as the ships of the desert, could travel long distances without
water.
• ● Goods Traded:
• From Europe and North Africa: Salt, textiles, horses, and metal goods.
• From Mali: Gold, slaves, ivory, and ostrich feathers.
• Spread of Islam: Islam spread from North Africa to West Africa through trade
routes.
• Traders and scholars played a significant role in spreading Islamic culture and
education from the 9th century onward.
Page 1 of 3 visit twinkl.co.za
, Grade 7 History Study Notes Term 1: The Kingdom of Mali and the City of Timbuktu in the 14th Century.
The Kingdom of Mali
• ● Mali at its Height Under Mansa Musa:
• Reigned from 1312 to 1337.
• Known for his immense wealth and influence.
• Expanded Mali's territory and made it
one of the largest and richest empires in Africa.
• ● Mansa Musa’s Pilgrimage to Mecca:
• In 1324, Mansa Musa made a famous Timbuktu Manuscripts Document-Historical
of Paper Africa Mansa Musa Mali MPS
pilgrimage to Mecca.
• Displayed his wealth with a large entourage and lavish gifts of gold.
• Strengthened Mali's ties with the Islamic world and enhanced its reputation.
• ● Construction of the Great Mosque:
• Commissioned the construction of mosques, including the Great Mosque of Djenné.
• Promoted Islamic architecture and learning in Mali.
The City of Timbuktu
Leo Africanus’s Eyewitness Stories of His Travels
• ● Travel Along Caravan Routes:
• Journeyed through the Saharan desert.
• Made two visits to Timbuktu.
• Documented his travels in his book Description
of Africa (1550).●
Great Mosque of Djenne Building- Mali
• Descriptions of Timbuktu: Ancient Ghana Africa Mud History
• Described Timbuktu as a bustling trade centre.
• Highlighted the wealth, culture, and academic significance of the city.
Page 2 of 3 visit twinkl.co.za
, Grade 7 History Study Notes Term 1: The Kingdom of Mali and the City of Timbuktu in the 14th Century.
Timbuktu as a Trade Centre
on the Trans-Saharan Caravan Route
• ● Trade Goods:
• Salt from the Mediterranean was traded for gold in Timbuktu.
• Timbuktu was a major hub for traders from different regions.
Timbuktu as a Centre of Learning
●
• Academic Subjects:
• Mathematics, chemistry, physics, optics, astronomy, medicine, history, geography,
Islamic traditions, and government laws.
• Scholars from different parts of the world gathered to study and teach in
Timbuktu.
• ● Timbuktu Manuscripts Project:
• Efforts to preserve and digitise ancient manuscripts.
• Collaboration between South Africa and Mali to protect and study these valuable
texts.
• ● World Heritage Site:
• Recognised for its historical and cultural significance.
• Home to valuable manuscripts and architectural wonders.
Page 3 of 3 visit twinkl.co.za
The Kingdom of Mali and the City of
Timbuktu in the 14th Century.
These notes provide an overview of the key points about the Kingdom of Mali and the
city of Timbuktu in the 14th century, highlighting their importance in trade, culture,
and learning. The Kingdom of Mali, under the rule of Mansa Musa, became a powerful
empire known for its wealth and promotion of Islam. Timbuktu emerged as a vital
trade centre and hub of learning, attracting scholars and traders from across the
world. The legacy of this period is preserved through the Timbuktu manuscripts and its
designation as a World Heritage Site.
Trade Across the Sahara Desert
• Camel Caravans:
• Main means of transport across the Sahara.
• Camels, known as the ships of the desert, could travel long distances without
water.
• ● Goods Traded:
• From Europe and North Africa: Salt, textiles, horses, and metal goods.
• From Mali: Gold, slaves, ivory, and ostrich feathers.
• Spread of Islam: Islam spread from North Africa to West Africa through trade
routes.
• Traders and scholars played a significant role in spreading Islamic culture and
education from the 9th century onward.
Page 1 of 3 visit twinkl.co.za
, Grade 7 History Study Notes Term 1: The Kingdom of Mali and the City of Timbuktu in the 14th Century.
The Kingdom of Mali
• ● Mali at its Height Under Mansa Musa:
• Reigned from 1312 to 1337.
• Known for his immense wealth and influence.
• Expanded Mali's territory and made it
one of the largest and richest empires in Africa.
• ● Mansa Musa’s Pilgrimage to Mecca:
• In 1324, Mansa Musa made a famous Timbuktu Manuscripts Document-Historical
of Paper Africa Mansa Musa Mali MPS
pilgrimage to Mecca.
• Displayed his wealth with a large entourage and lavish gifts of gold.
• Strengthened Mali's ties with the Islamic world and enhanced its reputation.
• ● Construction of the Great Mosque:
• Commissioned the construction of mosques, including the Great Mosque of Djenné.
• Promoted Islamic architecture and learning in Mali.
The City of Timbuktu
Leo Africanus’s Eyewitness Stories of His Travels
• ● Travel Along Caravan Routes:
• Journeyed through the Saharan desert.
• Made two visits to Timbuktu.
• Documented his travels in his book Description
of Africa (1550).●
Great Mosque of Djenne Building- Mali
• Descriptions of Timbuktu: Ancient Ghana Africa Mud History
• Described Timbuktu as a bustling trade centre.
• Highlighted the wealth, culture, and academic significance of the city.
Page 2 of 3 visit twinkl.co.za
, Grade 7 History Study Notes Term 1: The Kingdom of Mali and the City of Timbuktu in the 14th Century.
Timbuktu as a Trade Centre
on the Trans-Saharan Caravan Route
• ● Trade Goods:
• Salt from the Mediterranean was traded for gold in Timbuktu.
• Timbuktu was a major hub for traders from different regions.
Timbuktu as a Centre of Learning
●
• Academic Subjects:
• Mathematics, chemistry, physics, optics, astronomy, medicine, history, geography,
Islamic traditions, and government laws.
• Scholars from different parts of the world gathered to study and teach in
Timbuktu.
• ● Timbuktu Manuscripts Project:
• Efforts to preserve and digitise ancient manuscripts.
• Collaboration between South Africa and Mali to protect and study these valuable
texts.
• ● World Heritage Site:
• Recognised for its historical and cultural significance.
• Home to valuable manuscripts and architectural wonders.
Page 3 of 3 visit twinkl.co.za
