Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Social Science Practice Test

Which statement best describes conditions in Africa before the European Age of Exploration?

1. African cultures did not have the capacity to make iron before the first century CE

2. Ghana was central to the trans-Saharan trade in gold and salt

3. Axum participated in the Indian Ocean trade, which stopped when it was conquered by Muslims

4. Zimbabwe flourished with the Arab trading ports along the east coast of Africa

The correct answer is: Ghana was central to the trans-Saharan trade in gold and salt

The statement that Ghana was central to the trans-Saharan trade in gold and salt accurately reflects the economic landscape of Africa prior to the European Age of Exploration. During this period, the Ghana Empire became a significant hub for trade, leveraging its natural resources, particularly gold and salt, which were highly valued commodities. The trans-Saharan trade routes facilitated the movement of these goods across the vast Sahara Desert to various markets, including those in North Africa and beyond. This trade not only brought wealth to the Ghana Empire but also fostered cultural exchanges and connections between different regions of Africa and the Mediterranean world. The other statements do not accurately represent the historical context. For instance, the assertion regarding African cultures' lack of iron-making capacity oversimplifies the technological advancements happening in various regions of Africa well before the first century CE. Similarly, the statement about Axum and its participation in Indian Ocean trade suggests that trade ceased entirely post-conquest, which overlooks the resilience and adaptability of trade networks during periods of political change. Lastly, while Great Zimbabwe certainly had connections to trading activities, particularly in relation to the Indian Ocean trade networks, the statement does not fully encapsulate the broader significance of trade dynamics in the pre-European exploration context.