2.4 The Trans-Saharan Network - AP World

Trans-Saharan Network

Trade routes that connected North Africa and the Mediterranean world with the interior of West Africa and the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa. Formed long before 1200 but expanded around this time

Camel Saddles - Cause 1

Facilitated transpiration in dessert. It crossed the Sahara Dessert, and many people like South and North Arabians developed saddles

Caravanserai - Cause 2

Established along routes as rest stops for merchants. Allowed for its large expansion

Goods

Gold, kola nuts, horses, salt. Each region grew various foods

Empire of Mali

Established in 13th, converted to Islam. This meant that it grew exceedingly wealthy since it participated in trade network and from taxing other merchants traveling trade routes through their territory

Mansa Musa

Ruler of Mali. Embarked on Haj - pilgrimage to Mecca. Injected gold into Egypt economy because Mali was rich. Monopolized trade between North and interior of Mali, facilitating growth of trade networks