Question

Which statement explains how the Songhai Empire was similar to the Ghanaian and Malian empires?

a) They all had a feudal system of government.
b) They all practiced Buddhism as the dominant religion.
c) They all had significant trade routes.
d) They all had a female monarch ruling as empress.

Answer 1

The Songhai Empire, like its predecessors Ghana and Mali, was characterized by significant trade routes that facilitated economic prosperity and cultural exchange, particularly the flow of goods such as gold and salt. Option c,

Step-by-step explanation:

The similarity between the Songhai Empire and the previous empires of Ghana and Mali lies in their significant trade routes. Each of these empires flourished due to their control over the trans-Saharan trade routes, which were vital arteries of commerce in the region; they managed the flow of goods such as gold, cloth, salt, and more.

These routes facilitated not only the economic prosperity but also the cultural exchanges, spreading religions like Islam and fostering learning and scholarship.

Particularly, the Songhai Empire took this legacy forward by expanding the territories, optimizing the trade routes, and maintaining centralized political control.

Feudal systems, Buddhism, and female monarch ruling were not common traits shared by all three empires, making option 'c' the correct answer to how the Songhai Empire was similar to the Ghanaian and Malian empires.

So option c is correct.