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2.4 Trans-Saharan Trade Routes

9 min readjanuary 3, 2023

Riya Patel

Riya Patel

K

Katie Moore

Riya Patel

Riya Patel

K

Katie Moore

What Were The Trans-Saharan Trade Routes?

The were a network of trade routes that crossed the Sahara Desert in Africa, connecting the to the and the . These routes were an important part of the global trade network and played a significant role in the economic, cultural, and political development of Africa.

The were used to transport a variety of goods, including , , , and . They were also a major source of , as traders brought goods, ideas, and technologies from one part of the world to another, leading to the spread of religions, languages, and other cultural traditions.

The were used by a number of different peoples and civilizations over the centuries, including the , the of the Middle Ages, and the of the 19th and 20th centuries. Despite the development of more modern transportation systems, the continue to be an important part of the economy and culture of the region.

Overall, this trade network led to the formation of , new technology, the spread of religion (Islamic traditions), and even a super rich king by the name of .

Formation of Diasporic Communities

The facilitated the formation of , or communities of people who have migrated from their homeland and settled in a new location. These communities were often formed as a result of the movement of people along the trade routes, as traders and travelers settled in new areas and established communities in their adopted homes.

One example of a diasporic community that was formed as a result of the is the community of who settled in and other cities in the . These merchants established trading networks and brought with them their own customs, traditions, and languages, which helped to enrich the cultural diversity of the region.

Other that were formed as a result of the include the communities of who were taken to the and the , and the communities of Arab and Berber traders who settled in West Africa. These communities played a significant role in the and economic development of the regions where they settled and helped to shape the history and culture of these areas.

New Technologies

The facilitated the spread of new technologies and innovations throughout Africa. As traders and travelers moved along these routes, they brought with them new tools, techniques, and ideas that were adopted and adapted by the local populations.

One example of a technology that was introduced to Africa through the is the , which was domesticated in the and brought to Africa by Arab traders. The proved to be an invaluable tool for trade and transportation in the Sahara Desert, as it was able to travel long distances across the desert with minimal water and could carry heavy loads. The use of camels revolutionized trade and transportation in the region and facilitated the growth of the .

Other technologies that were introduced to Africa through the include , the , and the . These technologies were adapted and integrated into local cultures and helped to stimulate economic and social development in the region.

Spread of Islam

The played a significant role in the in Africa. The routes connected West Africa to the Islamic world, particularly the , and facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies between these regions. As traders and travelers moved along these routes, they also brought Islam with them and helped to spread the religion to new areas.

Islam was first introduced to West Africa through the in the 8th century, and it gradually spread throughout the region over the next several centuries. The religion appealed to many people in West Africa due to its emphasis on social justice, personal responsibility, and equality, and it was also supported by many West African rulers who saw it as a means of strengthening their empires.

The along the was facilitated by the establishment of and trade, such as the city of , which became a major center of scholarship and commerce. The routes also supported the growth of a number of Islamic empires and states in West Africa, such as the and the , which played a significant role in shaping the history and culture of the region.

Mansa Musa

was a West African ruler who reigned as the king of the in the 14th century. He is known for his tremendous wealth and his role in promoting the , which connected West Africa to the Mediterranean and the rest of the world.

During his reign, made a pilgrimage to , which was a major center of trade and learning at the time. On his journey, he is said to have brought with him a large entourage of followers and an enormous amount of , which he used to generously distribute to the poor and to fund the construction of and other . This journey helped to promote the and brought great fame and wealth.

After his return from , continued to support the and encouraged the growth of trade and commerce in his empire. He is remembered as a great ruler and a patron of learning and culture, and his reign is considered a golden age in the history of the .

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2FScreenshot%202020-03-17%20at%202.51.36%20PM.png?alt=media&token=5da66618-3f1a-4aa5-9d18-a85b38262828

Image Courtesy of Hardy-Leah B, thinglink

Causes of Trans-Saharan Trade

As always, technology helped spur these trade networks. The two big ones here are and .

Camel Saddles

are a group of indigenous people who live in the Sahara Desert and other arid regions of North Africa. They are known for their traditional lifestyle, which centers around the use of camels as a means of transportation and sustenance.

are an important tool for , as they use them to ride their camels and to carry supplies and other equipment. used by are typically made of leather or other durable materials and are designed to be comfortable for both the rider and the . They often have a high, padded cantle to provide support for the rider and a large horn or pommel at the front of the saddle to provide a handhold.

have a long tradition of using , and they continue to rely on them as a vital part of their daily lives. The saddles are an important part of the culture and history of the Berber people and are an integral part of their way of life.

Caravans

A caravan is a group of people traveling together, typically on a long journey. have been used for centuries as a means of transportation and as a way to protect against bandits and other dangers.

were often used in trade and commerce, as they provided a way to transport goods over long distances. They were particularly important in desert regions, such as the Sahara Desert in Africa, where they were used to transport goods across the desert and connect distant trade centers. were often made up of camels, which were able to travel long distances with minimal water and could carry heavy loads.

In addition to their practical function, were also an important cultural and social institution in many societies. They provided a sense of community and support for travelers, and were often led by experienced guides who knew the route and the local customs.

These technologies made this route far safer and easier to travel, and thus trans-Saharan trade flourished, carrying , , , and , the last of which were used as currency.

Expansion of Trans-Saharan Empires

The biggest religion that spread across this trade route was Islam. Over time, if African states weren’t already taken over by the , they may have converted voluntarily, with much help from the , many of whom were already converted to Islam.

Additionally, empires with valued goods expanded rapidly during this flourishing of the trade route, such as the Mali, Ghana, and Songhai empires.

Mali Empire

The was a West African empire that emerged in the 13th century in the region that is now western Mali. The was located along major and played a significant role in facilitating the trade of , , and other goods between West Africa and the Mediterranean. The empire was known for its rich deposits of , which were a major contributor to its wealth and power. The was also known for its strong centralized government, its military might, and its ability to extract tribute from its neighbors. The capital of the was located at , which was a major center of trade and commerce. The reached its peak of power in the 14th and 15th centuries, but it eventually declined and was eventually conquered by the in the late 16th century.

Ghana Empire

The was a medieval West African empire located in what is now southeastern Mauritania and western Mali. It is known for its role in facilitating the trans-Saharan trade of , , and other goods between West Africa and the Mediterranean. The empire was located along major and controlled the trade of these valuable commodities. The was also known for its military prowess and its ability to extract tribute from its neighbors. The capital of the was located at , which was a major center of trade and commerce. The declined in the 11th century, but its legacy continued to influence the region for many centuries afterwards.

Songhai Empire

The was a West African empire that emerged in the 15th century in the region that is now southeastern Mauritania, western Mali, and eastern Senegal. The empire was located along major and played a significant role in facilitating the trade of , , and other goods between West Africa and the Mediterranean. The was known for its strong centralized government, its military might, and its ability to extract tribute from its neighbors. The capital of the was located at , which was a major center of trade and commerce. The empire's political and economic power was based in large part on its control of the and the trade of valuable commodities. The reached its peak of power in the 15th and 16th centuries, but it ultimately declined and was conquered by the in the late 16th century.

Mali in West Africa in particular became one of the richest empires in the region due to its large supply in -- so rich, in fact, that when their king made his pilgrimage (hajj) to every place he stopped along the way became so flooded with that their economies inflated drastically. That’s how rich this guy was-- he could literally give out so much that it could crash an entire city’s economy.


-----

Key Terms to Review (43)

African Slaves

: African slaves were individuals taken from sub-Saharan Africa between 15th to 19th centuries during Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade who were forced into slavery by European powers primarily in their colonies in Americas.

Americas

: The Americas is a term that refers to the North, South, and Central America continents. It includes all the countries in these regions from Canada in the north to Argentina and Chile in the south.

Ancient Romans

: The Ancient Romans were the people from the city of Rome in Italy who created a vast empire across Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia from 753 BC to 476 AD. They are known for their advancements in law, government, engineering, and arts.

Arab Berber Traders

: The Arab Berber traders were a group of merchants and explorers from the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa who played a significant role in establishing trade routes across the Sahara Desert during the Middle Ages.

Arab Empires

: The Arab Empires refer to several historical Arab states that existed during the Middle Ages across North Africa, West Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Europe under Islamic rule between the 7th century until around the late medieval period (15th century).

Berber Nomads

: Berber nomads are members of an ethnic group indigenous to North Africa who traditionally lived a nomadic lifestyle, moving from place to place across the Sahara Desert.

Cairo

: Cairo is the capital city of Egypt and one of the largest cities in Africa. It has been an important center for political, cultural, and economic activities throughout history.

Camel

: A large, humped mammal native to desert regions in the Middle East and North Africa, used for centuries as a means of transportation and source of milk, meat, and wool.

Camel Saddles

: A supportive structure fastened onto the back of a camel to provide comfort and stability for riders or cargo during long desert journeys.

Caravans

: A group of people, especially traders or pilgrims, traveling together across a desert in Asia or North Africa.

Compass

: The compass is a navigational instrument that shows directions relative to geographic cardinal directions. It was first invented in ancient China during the Han Dynasty.

Cowrie Shells

: Small shells obtained from marine mollusks that were widely used throughout history as currency in various parts of the world.

Cultural Exchange

: Cultural exchange is the sharing of ideas, customs, practices, and beliefs between different cultures. This often occurs when different societies interact with each other through trade, migration or conquests.

Diasporic Communities

: Diasporic communities are groups of people who have been dispersed from their original homeland, often due to factors like war, trade, or colonization. They maintain a collective identity and connection to their roots while living in different parts of the world.

European Colonial Powers

: European Colonial Powers refer to several European nations such as Britain, France, Spain, Portugal, and Netherlands that colonized various parts of Africa, Asia, Americas and Oceania between 15th and 20th centuries.

Gao

: Gao was the capital city of the Songhai Empire, a state located in western Africa from the 15th to the 16th century and was one of the largest African empires in history.

Ghana Empire

: The Ghana Empire was a powerful West African state that existed between 700-1240 AD. It was known for its wealth derived from trade in gold and salt.

Gold

: A yellow precious metal that is valued for its rarity, malleability, and luster.

Ironworking

: The process of creating objects from iron or its alloys through forging, casting or other techniques.

Islamic Caliphate

: A state under the leadership of an Islamic steward known as caliph —a person considered a religious successor to the Islamic prophet Muhammad and a leader over all Muslims around the world.

Islamic Centers of Learning

: These were institutions such as madrasas, libraries, observatories where scholars from various backgrounds gathered for learning and research during the Islamic Golden Age.

Ivory

: A hard, white material from the tusks and teeth of animals, especially elephants. It is often carved into ornaments or tools.

Kumbi Saleh

: Kumbi Saleh was the capital city of Ghana Empire (not related to modern Ghana), an ancient West African kingdom that thrived between 300 AD to 1100 AD due to control over trans-Saharan trade routes.

Mali Empire

: The Mali Empire was a West African empire that flourished between the 13th and 16th centuries. It was known for its wealth, size, and significant contributions to culture and education.

Mansa Musa

: Mansa Musa was a ruler (mansa) of the Mali Empire in the 14th century who is famous for his immense wealth and extravagant pilgrimage to Mecca.

Mecca

: Mecca is a city in Saudi Arabia that is considered the holiest city in Islam because it's where Prophet Muhammad was born and where he received revelations from God.

Mediterranean Coast

: The coastal areas around the Mediterranean Sea which includes parts of three continents - Europe, Asia, and Africa. It has been historically significant due to its role in trade, cultural exchange, and warfare.

Middle East

: The Middle East is a transcontinental region in Afro-Eurasia which generally includes Western Asia, all of Egypt (mostly in North Africa), and Turkey (partly in Southeast Europe). It's known for its historical and political significance.

Moroccan Saadi Dynasty

: The Moroccan Saadi Dynasty was a ruling dynasty in Morocco from 1549 to 1659, known for their resistance against the Portuguese and Ottoman Empires, and for their role in spreading Islam across West Africa.

Mosques

: A mosque is a place of worship for followers of Islam. It serves as both a spiritual center and community gathering place.

Niani

: Niani was the capital city of the Mali Empire, a significant African civilization that existed from the 13th to the 17th century.

Public Works

: Public works refer to projects such as roads, bridges, or schools, that are built and maintained by the government for public use.

Salt

: In the context of AP World History, salt refers to a valuable commodity that was traded globally in ancient times. It was used for preserving food and enhancing flavor.

Slaves

: Slavery refers to a system where individuals known as slaves are treated as property and forced to work without consent or pay. This practice has been prevalent throughout history in various societies worldwide.

Sokoto Caliphate

: The Sokoto Caliphate was an independent Islamic Sunni Caliphate in West Africa that was founded during the jihad of the Fulani War in 1804 by Usman dan Fodio.

Songhai Empire

: The Songhai Empire was a state that dominated the western Sahel in the 15th and 16th century. At its peak, it was one of the largest states in African history.

Spread of Islam

: The spread of Islam refers to how Islam expanded from its birthplace in Arabia across Asia, Africa and Europe through trade routes, conquests and missionary activities from 7th century onwards.

Sub-Saharan Region

: The area of the African continent that lies south of the Sahara Desert.

Timbuktu

: Timbuktu is an ancient city in Mali, situated 20 km north of the Niger River. It was historically important as a post on the trans-Saharan caravan route and as a center of Islamic culture (15th–16th centuries).

Trans-Saharan Trade Routes

: These were a network of trading paths crossing the Sahara Desert that connected Africa to the Mediterranean world, including North Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Goods, ideas, and people moved along these routes.

West African Merchants

: West African merchants were traders involved in local, regional, and long-distance commerce across West Africa during various historical periods. They played significant roles in spreading goods, ideas, religions, and cultures across regions.

West African Savannah

: A grassland region located in West Africa, characterized by tall grasses and scattered trees. It was home to several powerful kingdoms that participated in extensive trade.

Wheel

: A circular object that rotates on an axle and is used for transportation purposes; one of the six simple machines identified by Renaissance scientists.

2.4 Trans-Saharan Trade Routes

9 min readjanuary 3, 2023

Riya Patel

Riya Patel

K

Katie Moore

Riya Patel

Riya Patel

K

Katie Moore

What Were The Trans-Saharan Trade Routes?

The were a network of trade routes that crossed the Sahara Desert in Africa, connecting the to the and the . These routes were an important part of the global trade network and played a significant role in the economic, cultural, and political development of Africa.

The were used to transport a variety of goods, including , , , and . They were also a major source of , as traders brought goods, ideas, and technologies from one part of the world to another, leading to the spread of religions, languages, and other cultural traditions.

The were used by a number of different peoples and civilizations over the centuries, including the , the of the Middle Ages, and the of the 19th and 20th centuries. Despite the development of more modern transportation systems, the continue to be an important part of the economy and culture of the region.

Overall, this trade network led to the formation of , new technology, the spread of religion (Islamic traditions), and even a super rich king by the name of .

Formation of Diasporic Communities

The facilitated the formation of , or communities of people who have migrated from their homeland and settled in a new location. These communities were often formed as a result of the movement of people along the trade routes, as traders and travelers settled in new areas and established communities in their adopted homes.

One example of a diasporic community that was formed as a result of the is the community of who settled in and other cities in the . These merchants established trading networks and brought with them their own customs, traditions, and languages, which helped to enrich the cultural diversity of the region.

Other that were formed as a result of the include the communities of who were taken to the and the , and the communities of Arab and Berber traders who settled in West Africa. These communities played a significant role in the and economic development of the regions where they settled and helped to shape the history and culture of these areas.

New Technologies

The facilitated the spread of new technologies and innovations throughout Africa. As traders and travelers moved along these routes, they brought with them new tools, techniques, and ideas that were adopted and adapted by the local populations.

One example of a technology that was introduced to Africa through the is the , which was domesticated in the and brought to Africa by Arab traders. The proved to be an invaluable tool for trade and transportation in the Sahara Desert, as it was able to travel long distances across the desert with minimal water and could carry heavy loads. The use of camels revolutionized trade and transportation in the region and facilitated the growth of the .

Other technologies that were introduced to Africa through the include , the , and the . These technologies were adapted and integrated into local cultures and helped to stimulate economic and social development in the region.

Spread of Islam

The played a significant role in the in Africa. The routes connected West Africa to the Islamic world, particularly the , and facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies between these regions. As traders and travelers moved along these routes, they also brought Islam with them and helped to spread the religion to new areas.

Islam was first introduced to West Africa through the in the 8th century, and it gradually spread throughout the region over the next several centuries. The religion appealed to many people in West Africa due to its emphasis on social justice, personal responsibility, and equality, and it was also supported by many West African rulers who saw it as a means of strengthening their empires.

The along the was facilitated by the establishment of and trade, such as the city of , which became a major center of scholarship and commerce. The routes also supported the growth of a number of Islamic empires and states in West Africa, such as the and the , which played a significant role in shaping the history and culture of the region.

Mansa Musa

was a West African ruler who reigned as the king of the in the 14th century. He is known for his tremendous wealth and his role in promoting the , which connected West Africa to the Mediterranean and the rest of the world.

During his reign, made a pilgrimage to , which was a major center of trade and learning at the time. On his journey, he is said to have brought with him a large entourage of followers and an enormous amount of , which he used to generously distribute to the poor and to fund the construction of and other . This journey helped to promote the and brought great fame and wealth.

After his return from , continued to support the and encouraged the growth of trade and commerce in his empire. He is remembered as a great ruler and a patron of learning and culture, and his reign is considered a golden age in the history of the .

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2FScreenshot%202020-03-17%20at%202.51.36%20PM.png?alt=media&token=5da66618-3f1a-4aa5-9d18-a85b38262828

Image Courtesy of Hardy-Leah B, thinglink

Causes of Trans-Saharan Trade

As always, technology helped spur these trade networks. The two big ones here are and .

Camel Saddles

are a group of indigenous people who live in the Sahara Desert and other arid regions of North Africa. They are known for their traditional lifestyle, which centers around the use of camels as a means of transportation and sustenance.

are an important tool for , as they use them to ride their camels and to carry supplies and other equipment. used by are typically made of leather or other durable materials and are designed to be comfortable for both the rider and the . They often have a high, padded cantle to provide support for the rider and a large horn or pommel at the front of the saddle to provide a handhold.

have a long tradition of using , and they continue to rely on them as a vital part of their daily lives. The saddles are an important part of the culture and history of the Berber people and are an integral part of their way of life.

Caravans

A caravan is a group of people traveling together, typically on a long journey. have been used for centuries as a means of transportation and as a way to protect against bandits and other dangers.

were often used in trade and commerce, as they provided a way to transport goods over long distances. They were particularly important in desert regions, such as the Sahara Desert in Africa, where they were used to transport goods across the desert and connect distant trade centers. were often made up of camels, which were able to travel long distances with minimal water and could carry heavy loads.

In addition to their practical function, were also an important cultural and social institution in many societies. They provided a sense of community and support for travelers, and were often led by experienced guides who knew the route and the local customs.

These technologies made this route far safer and easier to travel, and thus trans-Saharan trade flourished, carrying , , , and , the last of which were used as currency.

Expansion of Trans-Saharan Empires

The biggest religion that spread across this trade route was Islam. Over time, if African states weren’t already taken over by the , they may have converted voluntarily, with much help from the , many of whom were already converted to Islam.

Additionally, empires with valued goods expanded rapidly during this flourishing of the trade route, such as the Mali, Ghana, and Songhai empires.

Mali Empire

The was a West African empire that emerged in the 13th century in the region that is now western Mali. The was located along major and played a significant role in facilitating the trade of , , and other goods between West Africa and the Mediterranean. The empire was known for its rich deposits of , which were a major contributor to its wealth and power. The was also known for its strong centralized government, its military might, and its ability to extract tribute from its neighbors. The capital of the was located at , which was a major center of trade and commerce. The reached its peak of power in the 14th and 15th centuries, but it eventually declined and was eventually conquered by the in the late 16th century.

Ghana Empire

The was a medieval West African empire located in what is now southeastern Mauritania and western Mali. It is known for its role in facilitating the trans-Saharan trade of , , and other goods between West Africa and the Mediterranean. The empire was located along major and controlled the trade of these valuable commodities. The was also known for its military prowess and its ability to extract tribute from its neighbors. The capital of the was located at , which was a major center of trade and commerce. The declined in the 11th century, but its legacy continued to influence the region for many centuries afterwards.

Songhai Empire

The was a West African empire that emerged in the 15th century in the region that is now southeastern Mauritania, western Mali, and eastern Senegal. The empire was located along major and played a significant role in facilitating the trade of , , and other goods between West Africa and the Mediterranean. The was known for its strong centralized government, its military might, and its ability to extract tribute from its neighbors. The capital of the was located at , which was a major center of trade and commerce. The empire's political and economic power was based in large part on its control of the and the trade of valuable commodities. The reached its peak of power in the 15th and 16th centuries, but it ultimately declined and was conquered by the in the late 16th century.

Mali in West Africa in particular became one of the richest empires in the region due to its large supply in -- so rich, in fact, that when their king made his pilgrimage (hajj) to every place he stopped along the way became so flooded with that their economies inflated drastically. That’s how rich this guy was-- he could literally give out so much that it could crash an entire city’s economy.


-----

Key Terms to Review (43)

African Slaves

: African slaves were individuals taken from sub-Saharan Africa between 15th to 19th centuries during Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade who were forced into slavery by European powers primarily in their colonies in Americas.

Americas

: The Americas is a term that refers to the North, South, and Central America continents. It includes all the countries in these regions from Canada in the north to Argentina and Chile in the south.

Ancient Romans

: The Ancient Romans were the people from the city of Rome in Italy who created a vast empire across Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia from 753 BC to 476 AD. They are known for their advancements in law, government, engineering, and arts.

Arab Berber Traders

: The Arab Berber traders were a group of merchants and explorers from the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa who played a significant role in establishing trade routes across the Sahara Desert during the Middle Ages.

Arab Empires

: The Arab Empires refer to several historical Arab states that existed during the Middle Ages across North Africa, West Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Europe under Islamic rule between the 7th century until around the late medieval period (15th century).

Berber Nomads

: Berber nomads are members of an ethnic group indigenous to North Africa who traditionally lived a nomadic lifestyle, moving from place to place across the Sahara Desert.

Cairo

: Cairo is the capital city of Egypt and one of the largest cities in Africa. It has been an important center for political, cultural, and economic activities throughout history.

Camel

: A large, humped mammal native to desert regions in the Middle East and North Africa, used for centuries as a means of transportation and source of milk, meat, and wool.

Camel Saddles

: A supportive structure fastened onto the back of a camel to provide comfort and stability for riders or cargo during long desert journeys.

Caravans

: A group of people, especially traders or pilgrims, traveling together across a desert in Asia or North Africa.

Compass

: The compass is a navigational instrument that shows directions relative to geographic cardinal directions. It was first invented in ancient China during the Han Dynasty.

Cowrie Shells

: Small shells obtained from marine mollusks that were widely used throughout history as currency in various parts of the world.

Cultural Exchange

: Cultural exchange is the sharing of ideas, customs, practices, and beliefs between different cultures. This often occurs when different societies interact with each other through trade, migration or conquests.

Diasporic Communities

: Diasporic communities are groups of people who have been dispersed from their original homeland, often due to factors like war, trade, or colonization. They maintain a collective identity and connection to their roots while living in different parts of the world.

European Colonial Powers

: European Colonial Powers refer to several European nations such as Britain, France, Spain, Portugal, and Netherlands that colonized various parts of Africa, Asia, Americas and Oceania between 15th and 20th centuries.

Gao

: Gao was the capital city of the Songhai Empire, a state located in western Africa from the 15th to the 16th century and was one of the largest African empires in history.

Ghana Empire

: The Ghana Empire was a powerful West African state that existed between 700-1240 AD. It was known for its wealth derived from trade in gold and salt.

Gold

: A yellow precious metal that is valued for its rarity, malleability, and luster.

Ironworking

: The process of creating objects from iron or its alloys through forging, casting or other techniques.

Islamic Caliphate

: A state under the leadership of an Islamic steward known as caliph —a person considered a religious successor to the Islamic prophet Muhammad and a leader over all Muslims around the world.

Islamic Centers of Learning

: These were institutions such as madrasas, libraries, observatories where scholars from various backgrounds gathered for learning and research during the Islamic Golden Age.

Ivory

: A hard, white material from the tusks and teeth of animals, especially elephants. It is often carved into ornaments or tools.

Kumbi Saleh

: Kumbi Saleh was the capital city of Ghana Empire (not related to modern Ghana), an ancient West African kingdom that thrived between 300 AD to 1100 AD due to control over trans-Saharan trade routes.

Mali Empire

: The Mali Empire was a West African empire that flourished between the 13th and 16th centuries. It was known for its wealth, size, and significant contributions to culture and education.

Mansa Musa

: Mansa Musa was a ruler (mansa) of the Mali Empire in the 14th century who is famous for his immense wealth and extravagant pilgrimage to Mecca.

Mecca

: Mecca is a city in Saudi Arabia that is considered the holiest city in Islam because it's where Prophet Muhammad was born and where he received revelations from God.

Mediterranean Coast

: The coastal areas around the Mediterranean Sea which includes parts of three continents - Europe, Asia, and Africa. It has been historically significant due to its role in trade, cultural exchange, and warfare.

Middle East

: The Middle East is a transcontinental region in Afro-Eurasia which generally includes Western Asia, all of Egypt (mostly in North Africa), and Turkey (partly in Southeast Europe). It's known for its historical and political significance.

Moroccan Saadi Dynasty

: The Moroccan Saadi Dynasty was a ruling dynasty in Morocco from 1549 to 1659, known for their resistance against the Portuguese and Ottoman Empires, and for their role in spreading Islam across West Africa.

Mosques

: A mosque is a place of worship for followers of Islam. It serves as both a spiritual center and community gathering place.

Niani

: Niani was the capital city of the Mali Empire, a significant African civilization that existed from the 13th to the 17th century.

Public Works

: Public works refer to projects such as roads, bridges, or schools, that are built and maintained by the government for public use.

Salt

: In the context of AP World History, salt refers to a valuable commodity that was traded globally in ancient times. It was used for preserving food and enhancing flavor.

Slaves

: Slavery refers to a system where individuals known as slaves are treated as property and forced to work without consent or pay. This practice has been prevalent throughout history in various societies worldwide.

Sokoto Caliphate

: The Sokoto Caliphate was an independent Islamic Sunni Caliphate in West Africa that was founded during the jihad of the Fulani War in 1804 by Usman dan Fodio.

Songhai Empire

: The Songhai Empire was a state that dominated the western Sahel in the 15th and 16th century. At its peak, it was one of the largest states in African history.

Spread of Islam

: The spread of Islam refers to how Islam expanded from its birthplace in Arabia across Asia, Africa and Europe through trade routes, conquests and missionary activities from 7th century onwards.

Sub-Saharan Region

: The area of the African continent that lies south of the Sahara Desert.

Timbuktu

: Timbuktu is an ancient city in Mali, situated 20 km north of the Niger River. It was historically important as a post on the trans-Saharan caravan route and as a center of Islamic culture (15th–16th centuries).

Trans-Saharan Trade Routes

: These were a network of trading paths crossing the Sahara Desert that connected Africa to the Mediterranean world, including North Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Goods, ideas, and people moved along these routes.

West African Merchants

: West African merchants were traders involved in local, regional, and long-distance commerce across West Africa during various historical periods. They played significant roles in spreading goods, ideas, religions, and cultures across regions.

West African Savannah

: A grassland region located in West Africa, characterized by tall grasses and scattered trees. It was home to several powerful kingdoms that participated in extensive trade.

Wheel

: A circular object that rotates on an axle and is used for transportation purposes; one of the six simple machines identified by Renaissance scientists.


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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.