Study the impact of the Sudanic empires and the education and religious practices in West and West Central Africa. Topics may include:
Image: A ceramic equestrian figure from Mali, 13th–15th century, by an unknown sculptor (National Museum of African Art Collection, Smithsonian Institution)
Topics 1.5–1.7
LO 1.5.A
Explain how the influence of gold and trade shaped the political, economic, and religious development of the ancient West African empires of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai.
LO 1.5.B
Explain how Mali’s wealth and power created opportunities for the empire to expand its reach to other societies within Africa and across the Mediterranean.
LO 1.5.C
Explain the connection between the Sudanic empires and early generations of African Americans.
Learn about key concepts for this topic directly from prominent scholars in the field.
You will need to understand and be able to use these materials for the AP exam.
View this sculpture of a horseman with a quiver, an artifact of the Mali empire.
View a Euro-centric impression of Africa, including the ruler Mansa Musa, through this map and essay.
Visualize the approximate locations of various kingdoms and empires, including Ghana, Mali, and Songhai.
You can further develop your knowledge of this topic with primary and secondary sources.
Take a deep dive into the history of these three Sudanic empires.
You will need to understand and be able to use these materials for the AP exam.
View this photograph, an example of the persistence of African learning traditions.
Explore the story of Sunjata Keita through this performance.
LO 1.7.A
Explain how syncretic practices in early West and West Central African societies developed and were carried forward in African-descended communities in the Americas.
You will need to understand and be able to use these materials for the AP exam.
Take a closer look at an example of syncretic cosmologies.
![A jet of water in a tiled water fountain labeled 'Yemoja" [also known as Yemayá] in a body of water, topped with a white bust of a woman and, above the bust, a dark neon sign reading "The Surprise."](/sites/default/files/styles/card_tall/public/2025-03/YemojaStatue.webp?h=e10800f9&itok=4MWgJ-f2)
View and listen to an Afro-Cuban example of syncretic religious practices.
You can further develop your knowledge of this topic with primary and secondary sources.
View this contemporary piece honoring a traditional Yoruba god.