How did the geography affect the songhai dessert?

Answer 1

The geography of the Songhai Empire, located in West Africa, significantly influenced its culture and economy. The vast Sahara Desert to the north created a natural barrier, limiting interactions with northern regions but facilitating trade routes that connected the empire to trans-Saharan trade networks. The presence of the Niger River provided a vital source of water, enabling agriculture and trade, which were essential for the empire's prosperity. This geographic diversity allowed the Songhai to thrive as a major center of commerce and culture in medieval Africa.