1743 French Map of Northwest Africa, depicting the areas covered in this curriculum unit.
Courtesy of American Memory at the Library of Congress.
Subject Areas
Art and Culture
Anthropology
Architecture
History and Social Studies
World History - Africa
World History - Ancient World
World History - Asia/Far East
Time Required
Activity 1: 2 class periods (1 for lesson; 1 for assessment)
Activity 2: 2 class periods
Activity 3: 2 class periods
Activity 4: 2 class periods
Activity 5: 2 class periods
Activity 6: 2 class periods
Activity 7: 2 class periods
Activity 8: indeterminate
Skills
Map skills
Observation and description
Historical interpretation and analysis
Critical Thinking
Information gathering
Visual analysis
Communication
Hop (back) in the time capsule and travel to 14th century Timbuktu.Your
task is to find out about the origins of the city and discover why it became
such an important place. Here's a hint: as the realtors say, “Location
is everything.”
Before you start snooping around, think about the questions you'll need
to answer for the producers back home at Globe Trekker headquarters:
What were the origins of Timbuktu?
What was so important about its setting?
What was the kingdom of Mali?
How did Timbuktu become a part of Mali?
By the time you finish this project, you'll be prepared to:
Discuss the origins of Timbuktu
Explain the importance of its location
Describe the kingdom of Mali
Understand how and why Timbuktu became a part of Mali
It might be a good idea to do a little preliminary research by consulting
the following websites:
Timbuktu is a bustling place. The buildings are mostly one-storey and
seem to be made of mud plaster.
Photo op!
To see a modern photo go to Mansa
Moussa and scroll down the left column to the third picture.)
The streets are covered with a layer of sand. You happen upon an
old man sitting against a wall. You sit down and ask him if he knows anything
about the local history. Does he! Storytelling is a favorite pastime in West
Africa, and he's heard more than one tale about the beginnings of Timbuktu.
You sit down beside him, and he begins to share the stories with you.
Access Early
History. This is the way most modern historians explain the founding of
the city. For a more detailed version, go to History
of Timbuktu. Read the second and third paragraphs. In what ways did the
location of Timbuktu make it the ideal gathering place for traders?
Access the Map
of Africa. Click on Mali. On the map, find Timbuktu (also spelled
Tombouktou). After looking at the map, scroll down and read the statistics
listed under Geography.
Be sure to jot down relevant data in your notepad!
The Tuareg people still live in the region of Timbuktu. Photo op! See The
Road to Timbuktu. Click on Wonders, then under related wonders
click on the Tuareg people.
Another photo op!
Now view Man
in Blue. In what ways have the Tuareg people changed since earlier times?
In what ways do their life styles remain the same?
2. Timbuktu Becomes Part of Mali
By the mid-13th century, the kingdom of Mali had gained control of the lucrative
trade networks of the upper Niger River. During the reign of Mansa Musa, Mali's
most famous ruler, Mali expanded to become a sizable empire and reached its
peak of prosperity. Timbuktu continued to be an important center of trade as
a city in Mali.
The old man pauses, then continues to tell you about the early history
of Timbuktu. He speaks of Mali, West Africa's first kingdom.
Access Map of Mali. Locate Timbuktu and trace the course of the Niger River. Now view the map shown at Trans-Saharan Gold Trade and locate the gold fields.
Access Mali. What was the source of Mali's wealth and power? Why are Sundjata (also spelled Sundiata) and Mansa Musa revered today in African legends? Sundjata's name means "Hungering Lion"—he was the original Lion King!
Now go to Mali. What were Mansa Musa's reasons for expanding his borders? Why was he interested in acquiring Timbuktu?
Location Scouting Summary: Land of the Lion King
Write a report for Globe Trekker on the early years of Timbuktu
(from the city's origins until it became a part of Mali). Although your report
must be based upon history, feel free to add embellishments, just as the old
man has undoubtedly done. Remember, you want to sell the producers on the idea
of doing a Globe Trekker episode on Timbuktu.
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