HISTORY

Trans-Saharan trade

Trade across the Sahara Desert which included goods like salt, cloth, and gold.

Goods traded from North Africa

Included salt, cloth, textiles, metal goods, beads, and horses.

Goods traded from West Africa

Included gold, ivory, slaves, and ostrich feathers.

Importance of Gold and Salt

Gold is extremely valuable while salt is crucial for preserving food.

Caramel caravans

Caravans led by camels used as a main transport form across the desert.

Why camels were useful for trade

They can survive long without water, carry heavy loads, and have adaptations to prevent sinking in sand.

Spread of Islam in Africa

Islam expanded from North Africa to West Africa through traders, introducing new religious and educational ideas.

Mansa Musa

The most famous ruler of Mali, known for his immense wealth and expansion of trade and education during his rule.

Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj)

Mansa Musa's journey in 1324, which made Mali famous and led to the introduction of scholars and architects.

The Great Mosque of Timbuktu

An important mosque built under Mansa Musa, featuring large towers and serving as a center for Islamic learning.

Reasons for Timbuktu's importance

It was located near the Niger River, a stop on caravan routes, and a center of trade, religion, and learning.

Timbuktu manuscripts

Handwritten books preserved by scholars that included knowledge on science, religion, and trade.

Slavery in West Africa

Existing before European arrival, where people became slaves due to war, crime, debts, or kidnapping.

The Transatlantic Slave Trade

Involved transporting enslaved Africans to the Americas, lasting over 300 years.

Triangular Trade

Trade system between Europe, Africa, and the Americas involving the exchange of goods for enslaved people.

Conditions on slave ships

Overcrowded, poor ventilation, little food and water, leading to high mortality during the Middle Passage.

Auction

Public sale where enslaved individuals were sold to the highest bidder after arriving in the Americas.

Life on plantations

Enslaved people faced long hours of hard labor, poor living conditions, and harsh punishments.

Resistance to Slavery

Included working slowly, running away, and organized rebellions against the system.

Nat Turner’s Revolt (1831)

A rebellion led by Nat Turner against slavery, symbolizing resistance and fear among slave owners.