Lesson Plan

Lesson 6: Trekking to Timbuktu: The Search for Timbuktu (Student Version)

Photo caption

Timbuktu from the terrace of the traveller's house in 1858.

After a rich history as a center of commerce and scholarship, the West African city of Timbuktu began a period of decline in the 16th century. In time, like the other major centers along the overland routes of West Africa, Timbuktu was forgotten. In later centuries, stories about these remote "lost cities" piqued the curiosity of many Europeans. Certain intrepid adventurers set out to rediscover them.

Many people think that Timbuktu is a mythical place—even today! Years ago, the search for the “lost city” of Timbuktu brought many adventurers to their deaths! These are the kinds of stories that attract huge television audiences! So, continuing your investigation as a scout for Globe Trekker, you set out to learn more about the search for Timbuktu.

Guiding Questions

What factors contributed to the decline of Timbuktu?

What obstacles made a journey to Timbuktu very difficult?

What myths and misconceptions about the city were held by Europeans?

Learning Objectives

Analyze the reasons for the decline and fall of Timbuktu.

Examine the causes and effects of the views held by Europeans about Timbuktu.

Analyze the topography and consequences of traveling to Timbuktu.

Evaluate the impact of the arrival of Europeans on Timbuktu.

Lesson Plan Details

Content Standards

NCSS.D2.His.1.6-8. Analyze connections among events and developments in broader historical contexts.

NCSS.D2.His.2.6-8. Classify series of historical events and developments as examples of change and/or continuity.

NCSS.D2.His.3.6-8. Use questions generated about individuals and groups to analyze why they, and the developments they shaped, are seen as historically significant.

NCSS.D2.His.4.6-8. Analyze multiple factors that influenced the perspectives of people during different historical eras.

NCSS.D2.His.5.6-8. Explain how and why perspectives of people have changed over time.

NCSS.D2.His.14.6-8. Explain multiple causes and effects of events and developments in the past.

NCSS.D2.His.15.6-8. Evaluate the relative influence of various causes of events and developments in the past.

NCSS.D2.His.16.6-8. Organize applicable evidence into a coherent argument about the past.

Preparation

Before beginning this task, you might want to check out the background information found at: History of Timbuktu.

Lesson Activities

Activity 1. Stages of Timbuktu's Decline

In the 16th century Timbuktu was one of the bright lights of the Islamic world. What happened to it?

Access Invasion to Independence. Read the first two paragraphs. What were the stages of Timbuktu's decline?

Jot these down in your notepad!

Now go to Mali: Geography and History. Scroll down to the next to last paragraph under History. What impact did the development of a sea trade route have upon cities like Timbuktu?

In the years following the city's decline, the legend of the city began to grow. So did a number of misconceptions.

Go to Uncovering an African Scholarly Heritage. Read the second paragraphs. What were some popular misconceptions of Timbuktu held by Europeans? Access Shabeni's description of Timbuktu. Read the first paragraph. What inaccuracies appear in this text?

The image of a city filled with gold ultimately attracted a number of treasure-hunters.

Return to Invasion to Independence. Read paragraphs 3 and 4. What were some of the hazards of traveling to Timbuktu? Now go to Timbuktu: The Legendary City of Africa. Read from paragraph 5 (beginning “The legend of Timbuktu's wealth…”) to the end of paragraph through paragraph 9 (ending with “Laing was murdered.”).

Make notes of these “horror stories”—they'll add punch to your report to the producers of Globe Trekker!

At last, a European made it to Timbuktu—and back. But he didn't find a city of gold.

Return to Timbuktu: The Legendary City of Africa. Read paragraphs 10 and 11 (beginning with “French explorer…”). Why did Caillie succeed? Why is his expedition important? What contributions did Barth make to the cause? (He also wrote about his trip.)

Photo op!

You can see a drawing of Timbuktu by Rene Caillie as well as a map showing where he (as well as Laing and Barth) stayed in the city by accessing Timbuctoo the Mysterious.
Now return to Invasion to Independence. Read paragraphs 6 and 7 (beginning "Rather than finding…). Despite it's commercial decline, one aspect of Timbuktu's greatness continues to flourish. What is it?

Location Scouting Summary: From Here to Timbuktu

It's the 19th century. Make a list of five reasons why it's not a good idea to travel to Timbuktu. Then make another list of reasons why, despite these drawbacks, going there is a worthwhile goal.

Assessment

Pretend that you are Rene Caillie, back at home in France and beginning to write about your experiences in Timbuktu. Write an introduction to the first volume as he might have done.

Lesson Extensions