The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Of course. Here is an answer to the questions.
The three great Sudanic States, also known as the West African empires, were the Ghana Empire (c. 300–1200), the Mali Empire (c. 1235–1670), and the Songhai Empire (c. 1464–1591). These powerful kingdoms rose sequentially in the Sahel region, controlling vast territories and key trade routes.
Their wealth was built upon the extensive trans-Saharan trade network. From the south, these empires controlled and traded valuable resources, most famously gold. The gold fields of West Africa were a primary source for North Africa, the Middle East, and Europe for centuries. In addition to gold, they exported ivory, kola nuts, and enslaved people. In return, they imported goods they lacked from the north. The most critical import was salt, a precious commodity in the sub-Saharan climate necessary for preserving food and maintaining health. They also imported manufactured items such as textiles, copper, tools, weapons, and horses from North African merchants.
Islam arrived in the Sudanic States via these same trade routes and provided significant advantages, particularly to the ruling elite. It introduced literacy through the Arabic language, which revolutionized administration. Rulers could now maintain written records, establish a more organized bureaucracy with educated scribes, and engage in sophisticated diplomacy with other states. Islam also provided a common legal framework, Sharia law, which helped unify diverse populations under a single system and provided a trusted structure for commercial contracts. Adopting Islam strengthened commercial ties with the Muslim merchants of North Africa, building trust and facilitating smoother trade. Furthermore, conversion enhanced the legitimacy and prestige of rulers, connecting them to the wider Islamic world and its vast network of knowledge, culture, and power. This is famously exemplified by the pilgrimage of Mali’s ruler, Mansa Musa, which showcased his empire’s immense wealth and piety on an international stage.
