Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Social Science Practice Test

Which of these empires or kingdoms was NOT part of the Islamic world?

1. Axum

2. The Mongols

3. The Mughals

4. Ghana

The correct answer is: Axum

The Axum Empire, which thrived from approximately the 1st to the 7th centuries CE in what is now Ethiopia and parts of the Arabian Peninsula, was characterized by its own distinct culture and religion. Prior to the rise of Islam in the 7th century, Axum was known for its early adoption of Christianity and trading prowess. While it did engage with Islamic cultures as they expanded, it was never considered part of the Islamic world in the same way that the other options were. In contrast, the other choices—The Mongols, The Mughals, and the Kingdom of Ghana—were all significantly influenced by Islam. The Mongols, although they originated from a shamanistic tradition, ultimately adopted Islam and established a vast empire that interacted profoundly with Islamic civilizations. The Mughals were a Muslim dynasty that ruled much of India and incorporated Islamic practices and culture into their governance. The Kingdom of Ghana, which flourished around the 6th to 13th centuries in West Africa, engaged in trade with Muslim merchants and displayed Islamic cultural influences, especially as the religion spread throughout the region. Therefore, identifying the Axum Empire as not part of the Islamic world highlights its distinct cultural and religious identity separate from the influences of