the europeans just wanted for some booty literally
They were looking to establish their own trade empires in the east.
Phoenicians continued trading even when they were not independent.
By the empires and trading.
The East India Company established a trading post on modern Singapore in 1819, but local empires were established in the areas as far back as the 2nd century CE.
They were useful sources of gold & spices and a medium for trading. (i.e. They could utilize them as middlemen) Also, there were slaves they could obtain through these nations.
Through slave traders who brought slaves through the Sahara desert to the Mediterranean Sea.
Through slave traders who brought slaves through the Sahara desert to the Mediterranean Sea.
The West African trade empires made their money mainly by trading slaves, salt and gold.
trading
It was exloited
Egypt, Sudan & Zimbabwe
it was in 1111.