Trans-Saharan Trade Flashcards
(5 cards)
What was the Trans-Saharan Trade?
A network of trade routes crossing the Sahara Desert that connected North Africa with West Africa from around 300 CE to the 1800s.
What were the main items traded across the Sahara Desert?
From North Africa: salt, cloth, books, horses. From West Africa: gold, ivory, kola nuts, and enslaved people.
How did people cross the Sahara Desert for trade?
They traveled in large groups called caravans, using camels that could survive the harsh desert conditions.
Why was salt such an important trade item?
Salt was scarce in West Africa but essential for preserving food and providing nutrients in hot climates.
What role did oasis cities play in Trans-Saharan Trade?
They served as rest stops, marketplaces, and centers for traders to replenish water and supplies.
