African History Quiz

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What’s in the African History Quiz?

This quiz explores the fascinating history of Africa’s great civilisations, covering:

  • Ancient African kingdoms and their remarkable achievements
  • Trade routes that connected Africa with the world
  • Cultural and technological innovations
  • Architectural wonders and historical sites

From the legendary wealth of Mansa Musa to the intricate stone walls of Great Zimbabwe, this quiz covers the remarkable achievements of African civilisations. Did you know that the University of Sankore in Timbuktu housed one of the world’s largest libraries during the 16th century? Or that the Kingdom of Aksum was minting its own coins before many European nations?

African History Quiz

The questions range from the gold-rich Mali Empire to the sophisticated naval trade networks of the Swahili Coast. You might be surprised to learn about the female warriors of Dahomey or the advanced bronze-casting techniques of the Benin Empire. Ready to explore centuries of African innovation, power, and cultural excellence? Press ‘Start Quiz’ to begin your journey through history. Take a look at the Preview Quiz Content section below to see some fascinating details about ancient African civilisations that made the medieval world marvel.

By no means is this an exhaustive quiz and we completely understand that Africa as a continent is enormous and each country has their own unique history and culture. This quiz is just a small sample of the historical events across the continent.

Preview Quiz Content

This section contains all of the questions that could be a part of this quiz. The quiz will choose 15 random questions from the pool below. If you've found this section wondering who built the pyramids at Meroe or what made Mansa Musa's pilgrimage so famous, you're in the right place! To start the quiz, press "Start Quiz". Some answers might seem missing - that's because we only show the correct answers here.

Q1: Which ancient African kingdom was known for its extensive gold trade across the Sahara?

A1: Mali Empire

Q2: Which of the following were important trade goods in ancient Trans-Saharan trade?

A2: Salt, Gold, Ivory

Q3: Who was the famous ruler of the Mali Empire known for his pilgrimage to Mecca?

A3: Mansa Musa

Q4: Match each ancient African empire with its main city.

A4: Mali Empire - Timbuktu, Great Zimbabwe - Mapungubwe, Axum Empire - Aksum

Q5: Which ancient African civilisation built the Great Pyramids of Meroe?

A5: Kushites

Q6: Arrange these African empires in chronological order, from earliest to latest.

A6: Kingdom of Kush, Mali Empire, Songhai Empire

Q7: Which important African trading city was known as the 'City of Gold'?

A7: Great Zimbabwe

Q8: Which African kingdom was famous for its bronze-casting technology?

A8: Benin Empire

Q9: Which of the following were major centres of learning in medieval Africa?

A9: Timbuktu, Sankore University, University of Al Quaraouiyine

Q10: Match each African kingdom with its most famous ruler.

A10: Zulu Kingdom - Shaka, Ethiopia - Menelik II, Songhai Empire - Askia Muhammad

Q11: What was the primary writing system used in ancient Ethiopia?

A11: Ge'ez

Q12: Which ancient African kingdom successfully resisted European colonisation until 1935?

A12: Ethiopia

Q13: Arrange these events in Ethiopian history in chronological order.

A13: Kingdom of Axum adopts Christianity, Battle of Adwa, Italian invasion

Q14: Which ancient African civilisation built the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela?

A14: Zagwe Dynasty

Q15: What was the capital city of the Songhai Empire?

A15: Gao

Q16: Which African kingdom was known for its powerful female military unit called the Ahosi?

A16: Dahomey Kingdom

Q17: What was the name of the legendary founder of the Mali Empire?

A17: Sundiata Keita

Q18: Which African empire was known for its sophisticated naval technology and maritime trade?

A18: Swahili Coast

Q19: What valuable commodity was the main source of wealth for the Kingdom of Kongo?

A19: Copper

Q20: Which African kingdom successfully defeated Portuguese invasions in the 16th century?

A20: Adal Sultanate

Q21: What was the primary currency used in the Kingdom of Aksum?

A21: Gold coins

Q22: Which city served as the primary trading port for the Great Zimbabwe civilization?

A22: Sofala

Q23: Which ancient African kingdom was the first to convert to Christianity?

A23: Kingdom of Aksum

Q24: What was the primary architectural material used in constructing Great Zimbabwe?

A24: Granite blocks

Q25: Which ancient African kingdom developed the Nsibidi script?

A25: Ejagham people

Q26: What was the primary export of the Kingdom of Punt to Ancient Egypt?

A26: Myrrh