Trans-Saharan Trade Study Guide

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to the Trans-Saharan trade, economics, taxation, and the significant empires.

Economics

The study of how people use materials of value, including how goods like food, tools, and money are obtained and used.

Taxation

Money or goods collected by rulers from traders or citizens to support their kingdom.

Tax collector

A person who collected taxes from traders to ensure rulers received resources.

Wealth

Having things of value, such as gold, salt, and spices.

Supply and demand

The relationship where an increase in demand for a good leads suppliers to provide more of that good for trade.

Gold

A highly valued resource mined in West Africa, sought after in North Africa and Europe.

Salt

An essential resource for health and food preservation, transported from North Africa to West Africa.

Traders

Individuals who carried goods like gold and salt across trade routes.

Berbers

Nomadic people from North Africa known for guiding caravans across the desert.

Rulers/kings

Leaders who collected taxes and used revenue to strengthen their power and display prestige.

Kingdom

A region usually led by one ruler, where people often share similar culture.

Empire

A complex organization that includes many regions and diverse peoples, often controlling other lands.

Ghana Empire

An early power in West Africa that controlled trade routes and collected taxes.

Mali Empire

A wealthy empire that flourished due to gold mines; notable for ruler Mansa Musa.

Songhai Empire

The largest empire in the region at its peak, known for controlling trade routes, particularly along the Niger River.

Timbuktu

A significant city that became a center of learning, culture, and commerce, supported by wealth from trade.