The trade routes across the Sahara Desert existed long before the establishment of the silk road. It was used by the Roman Empire and perhaps even earlier. The Silk Road that went from Bejing to Venice was established by Genghis Kahn. Earlier roads probably existed along parts of the way if not the entire way. It may have used the old Roman road that went from the Urals to Venice.
The northern Saharan trade group is known as the Trans-Saharan Trade Network. This network facilitated commerce across the Sahara Desert, connecting sub-Saharan Africa with North Africa and the Mediterranean. It primarily involved the trade of gold, salt, and other goods, playing a significant role in the economic and cultural exchanges between different regions.
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.
North Africans began trans-Saharan trade around the 4th century BCE. Camels were introduced to the region later, around the 1st century CE. This means that camels were introduced roughly 400 to 500 years after the start of trans-Saharan trade. The introduction of camels significantly transformed trade dynamics in the region, allowing for more efficient transportation across the Sahara.
The Trans-Saharan trade routes connected sub-Saharan Africa with North Africa and the Mediterranean, facilitating the exchange of goods like gold, salt, ivory, and textiles. Caravans, often led by Berber traders, traversed treacherous desert paths, with key routes linking cities such as Timbuktu and Gao in the Mali Empire to trade hubs like Marrakech and Cairo. This trade not only enriched economies but also facilitated cultural and religious exchanges across the regions. The reliance on camels, known as the "ships of the desert," was crucial for transporting goods across the arid landscape.
Trans-Saharan trade began primarily with the transportation of gold, which was highly sought after in North Africa and Europe. As trade routes developed, other goods such as salt, ivory, and slaves were also transported across the desert. The trade not only facilitated the exchange of commodities but also fostered cultural and economic connections between diverse civilizations. Over time, this network became crucial for the economies of various West African kingdoms.
The Saharan trade extended from the Saharan West African kingdoms across the Sahara desert to Europe. The Saharan Trade linked such African empires as Ghana, Mali, and Songhay to the European world.
The Saharan trade extended from the Sub-Saharan West African kingdoms across the Sahara desert to Europe. The Saharan Trade linked such African empires as Ghana, Mali, and Songhay to the European world.
The Saharan trade extended from the Sub-Saharan West African kingdoms across the Sahara desert to Europe. The Saharan Trade linked such African empires as Ghana, Mali, and Songhay to the European world.
The northern Saharan trade group is known as the Trans-Saharan Trade Network. This network facilitated commerce across the Sahara Desert, connecting sub-Saharan Africa with North Africa and the Mediterranean. It primarily involved the trade of gold, salt, and other goods, playing a significant role in the economic and cultural exchanges between different regions.
That would be when traders used camels to transport goods across the Saharan desert. A caravan is the word used to denote a group of animals and travellers.
The people of Ghana often traded their gold for salt.
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.
which counties were involved in the trans-Saharan slave trade
The Saharan trade began around the 3rd century CE, although it expanded significantly by the 7th century with the rise of Islamic empires. This trade network facilitated the exchange of goods such as gold, salt, and textiles across the Sahara Desert, connecting North Africa with sub-Saharan regions. The establishment of trade routes helped in the spread of culture, religion, and technology between diverse societies.
No one really controlled the Saharan Trade route, however there were influential groups. The Bantus are an example. They were a nomadic tribe that traveled across the Sahara in caravans. Merchants would pay these nomads to travel across the desert to drop off goods and bring the money back to them in exchange for money or a different good.
West Africa across the Sahara
North Africans began trans-Saharan trade around the 4th century BCE. Camels were introduced to the region later, around the 1st century CE. This means that camels were introduced roughly 400 to 500 years after the start of trans-Saharan trade. The introduction of camels significantly transformed trade dynamics in the region, allowing for more efficient transportation across the Sahara.