1) In what way was the empire of Ghana different from the later empire of Mali?

Ghana was ruled by Malinke leaders, and Mali was ruled by Soninke.

Ghana was mostly animists, and Mali had a Muslim-following leadership.

Ghana was patrilineal, and Mali followed a matrilineal system

Ghana was influenced by Arab architecture, and Mali was not.

2) What role did the geography of the Sahel play in the rise of the medieval African kingdoms?

It provided access to the large ports on the Atlantic.

The lack of fresh water made rulers here more warlike.

It provided a place for trade between the North and the South.

The desert was difficult for outsiders to invade.

1. The correct answer among the choices provided is second option B. Ghana was mostly animists, and Mali had a Muslim-following leadership.

2. The geography of the Sahel provided a place for trade between the North and the South. African states were developed because of this.

1. The correct is B. Ghana was mostly animists, and Mali had a Muslim-following leadership.

Ghana originated from the Soninke Tribe, and by the 8th century, it was a kingdom. Most of the people kept their old beliefs which were Animism by believing that spirits were present in plants, animals, and other natural objects. Islam came to Ghana by Muslim merchants, Mali, on the other hand, had a Muslim following with vast libraries and where Islamic universities were built. In the 13th Century, Mali leaders converted to Islam after the empires of Lion Prince Sundiata united the people. Many kings in Mali became devout Muslims after the death of Lion Prince; they further listened to Muslim advisors who were influential in the loyal court of Malis Kings.

2. The correct answer is C: It provided a place for trade between the North and the South.

The geography of the Sahel provided a place for trade between the North and the South leading to the development of African states. The Sahel area was the site of the great trading kingdoms of West Africa, which arose and prospered from the 800s to the 1500s CE. The Sahel was the northernmost part of the Sudan region. The Sahel includes parts of the countries of Mali, Senegal, Mauritania, Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Sudan, and Eritrea.