The Songhai Empire's power was significantly bolstered by its control over the trade of gold and salt. Gold, a highly sought-after commodity, facilitated wealth and influence, while salt was essential for preserving food and was equally valuable in trade. The strategic location of cities like Timbuktu and Gao along trans-Saharan trade routes allowed Songhai to dominate these lucrative markets, contributing to its status as one of the most powerful empires in Africa.
Salt and gold.
Gold and salt
The trade routes in the Songhai Empire ran across the Sahara Desert, connecting West Africa with North Africa and the Mediterranean region. These routes were critical for the transport of goods such as salt, gold, ivory, and slaves. The major trade cities in the Songhai Empire included Timbuktu, Gao, and Djenne.
Mali's empire helped songhai controll trade routes and it made songhai richer
trade was crucial to the survival of Ghana Mali and songhai because they needed tax and other goods to take are of their teritory.
Sahara and valuable salt and gold mines of central Africa
Arabian traders crossed the Sahara Desert to reach the Songhai Empire. They established trade routes linking North Africa to West Africa, exchanging goods such as salt, gold, and slaves. These trade networks contributed to the economic and cultural exchange between the two regions.
trade was crucial to the survival of Ghana Mali and songhai because they needed tax and other goods to take are of their teritory.
trade was crucial to the survival of Ghana Mali and songhai because they needed tax and other goods to take are of their teritory.
Some goods that were traded in the Songhai kingdom included gold, salt, ivory, slaves, horses, and various commodities such as textiles and grain. The kingdom's strategic location along trans-Saharan trade routes facilitated the exchange of these goods with other regions in Africa and beyond.
The location of Songhai along the Niger River provided access to trade routes, enabling the kingdom to control important trade routes linking West Africa to North Africa. This helped Songhai establish itself as a powerful trading empire and facilitated cultural exchange and economic growth. The river also provided fertile land for agriculture, which supported the kingdom's population and wealth.
gold