Question

How did cities such as Timbuktu contribute to the Mali Empire?

There is more than one correct answer. Select all that apply.
O Cities were where most people in the empire lived and worked.
O Cities were centers of learning and administration.
O Cities were where most gold and salt mines were located.
Cities were trading centers and sources of revenue.

Answer 1

Cities such as Timbuktu contributed to the Mali Empire through their role as centers of learning and administration, trading centers, and places where most people in the empire lived and worked.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cities such as Timbuktu contributed to the Mali Empire in several ways:

1. Cities were centers of learning and administration: Timbuktu, in particular, was known as a hub of Islamic scholarship and a center of trade and intellectual activity. It had famous universities and libraries that attracted scholars from all over the world. This intellectual and cultural influence helped to strengthen the empire.
2. Cities were trading centers and sources of revenue: Timbuktu and other cities within the Mali Empire served as important trading hubs, particularly for the gold-salt trade. The empire controlled the major trade routes, allowing it to generate substantial wealth and exert economic power.
3. Cities were where most people in the empire lived and worked: While much of the Mali Empire was rural, cities like Timbuktu were home to a significant proportion of the population. These cities served as economic and cultural centers, providing opportunities for trade, craftsmanship, and other livelihoods.

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