Historian Adeyemi proposes that the rapid expansion of the Mali Empire in the 13th century was driven less by military conquest than by Mali's control of trans-Saharan trade routes, which allowed it to attract smaller polities through economic incentives.
Which finding, if true, would most strongly support Adeyemi's proposal?
- Acheck_circle
Several smaller West African states formally joined Mali after gaining access to its salt and gold markets, with no recorded battles.
- B
Mali's rulers built mosques in many of the cities under their authority.
- C
Mali's army was reorganized in the early 14th century to incorporate cavalry units.
- D
Trans-Saharan trade declined briefly during periods of regional drought.
Explanation
A shows polities joining Mali through economic incentives without conquest, directly supporting Adeyemi's thesis. B suggests military focus, undermining the claim. C and D are tangential.