Gold and salt
The Niger River. It helped trade their two major resources: Gold and Salt
In the 1400s and 1500s, West Africa was primarily controlled by three powerful kingdoms: the Mali Empire, the Songhai Empire, and the Kingdom of Benin. The Mali Empire, known for its wealth and trade, was in decline during this period but still influential. The Songhai Empire emerged as a dominant power after conquering Mali, becoming one of the largest empires in African history. Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Benin thrived in the south, renowned for its art and trade networks.
salt and gold
False. While it is true that the Saharan trade routes were significantly influenced by Islamic traders and mosques, West Africans did profit from the trade. Kingdoms like Mali and Songhai controlled key trade cities such as Timbuktu and Gao, allowing them to benefit from the exchange of goods like gold, salt, and ivory. The integration of Islamic culture and trade practices also facilitated economic growth in the region.
Trans-Saharan trade began around the 8th century CE, primarily as a means of exchanging goods like gold, salt, and slaves between North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. This trade route flourished over the centuries, especially with the rise of powerful empires such as Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, which facilitated and controlled trade across the Sahara.
The Kingdom of Mali controlled trade routes which had previously been controlled by the Kingdom of Ghana.
Mali and Songhai
Mali controlled significant resources, particularly gold and salt, which were crucial to its economy and trade. The region was rich in gold mines, especially in the areas around Bambuk and Bure, making it one of the largest gold producers in the medieval world. Salt, mined from the Saharan salt flats, was equally valuable, as it was essential for food preservation and nutrition. This wealth from natural resources helped establish Mali as a powerful empire in West Africa.
They controlled the trade of salt, gold, and ivory across the Sahara.
What city controlled Trade routes and was the economic political and reigeous center
Timbuktu, Mali, and Mali
In mali
The Niger River. It helped trade their two major resources: Gold and Salt
What city controlled Trade routes and was the economic political and reigeous center
In 1312, the size of the Mali Empire doubled primarily due to the conquests of Emperor Mansa Musa. His military campaigns expanded Mali's territory significantly, incorporating regions that were rich in resources and trade routes. Additionally, Mansa Musa's promotion of trade and Islam further solidified Mali's influence and power in West Africa.
Mali's wealth, particularly from its gold and salt resources, facilitated extensive trade networks that attracted European merchants and explorers. This economic power enabled Mali to engage in diplomatic relations and cultural exchanges, enhancing its influence in regional politics. The allure of Mali's riches likely motivated European powers to seek trade partnerships, leading to increased interactions and sometimes conflict in pursuit of resources. Ultimately, Mali's wealth shaped perceptions and relationships between Africans and Europeans during the historical trade era.
Controlled the trade routes across the Sahara