Trans-Saharan Trade Network
Definition
This was a major trade route across the Sahara desert that connected North Africa with sub-Saharan Africa during ancient times. Goods like gold, salt, slaves were traded along this network.
Analogy
Imagine this network as a busy highway cutting through an enormous desert instead of cities or states. Just like trucks carry goods from one city to another on highways today; camels carried goods across this 'desert highway' back then!
Related terms
Caravanserai: These were roadside inns where travelers could rest and recover during their journey across desert trade routes.
Gold-Salt Trade: This was a crucial part of the Trans-Saharan trade where gold from West Africa was exchanged for salt from Sahara desert.
Ghana Empire: An ancient African empire that grew wealthy and powerful due to its control over key parts of the Trans-Saharan trade network.
"Trans-Saharan Trade Network" appears in:
Study guides (3)
Practice Questions (1)
- Which of the following pairs of trade technologies are best associated with the Trans-Saharan trade network?
Resources
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