History of trans Sahara trade
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The Trans-Saharan trade was a network of trade routes that connected North Africa with Sub-Saharan Africa from the 8th century to the 16th century. It facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture across the Sahara Desert.
Key goods traded included gold, salt, slaves, ivory, and textiles. North Africa primarily exported salt, manufactured goods, and horses, while Sub-Saharan Africa exported gold, slaves, and ivory.
The trade routes were crucial for the development of powerful West African empires like Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. These empires controlled key trade cities and taxed the goods passing through their territories, accumulating significant wealth. The trade also led to the spread of Islam across West Africa.
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