Lesson Plan

Lesson 6: Trekking to Timbuktu: The Search for Timbuktu (Teacher 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.

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

Become familiar with the lesson material. Bookmark relevant websites for later reference. Additional background information can be found at History of Timbuktu.

Lesson Activities

Activity 1. Stages of Timbuktu's decline

Timbuktu tumbled from the peak of its glory to a sad state of ruin in a very short period.

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

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? (He wrote books about his experience.) What contributions did Barth make to the cause? (He also wrote about his trip.) 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?

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