Final answer:
Leo Africanus was impressed by Timbuktu's fine architecture, particularly the mosques with their distinctive West African style. Timbuktu's economic connections were evident in the Trans-Saharan trade, enabling exchanges of gold, salt, ivory, and books.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impressions of Timbuktu
The account provided by Leo Africanus in the sixteenth century presents an image of Timbuktu that captures the grandeur and sophistication of the city. He was particularly impressed by the fine architecture, including the walled palace of the king and the large, impressive temple made of stone and mortar. However, the crowning glory of the city's architecture was undoubtedly its mosques, such as the Sankore mosque, which showcased the unique qualities of West African architecture with its sunbaked brick walls and distinctive pyramidal shape.
As for the economic connections between Timbuktu, North Africa, and Europe, it is evident that Timbuktu was a nexus of trade. Through the Trans-Saharan commerce, people exchanged goods like gold, salt, ivory, and books, which fostered the development of public works in the Mali Empire. The prominence of such trade relationships helped to establish Timbuktu as an important center of wealth, culture, and learning.