History ( The Mali Empire and Timbuktu)

Sahara Desert

A vast desert in North Africa, serving as a geographical barrier and a challenging terrain for trans-Saharan trade.

Trans-Saharan trade

The exchange of goods and commodities across the Sahara Desert between North Africa and West Africa, facilitated by trade routes.

Trade Routes

Established paths or channels used to transport goods between regions.

Mali Empire

A powerful West African empire known for its wealth, especially in gold, and its participation in trans-Saharan trade.

Timbuktu

A prominent city in Mali, serving as a major trade and cultural center during the trans-Saharan trade period.

Djenne

An ancient city in Mali, known for its significance in trade, commerce, and intellectual development.

Hub

A center or focus of activity, such as a major trading hub where goods and people converge.

Caravans

Group of travelers, especially merchants or pilgrims, journeying together for safety and companionship through difficult or hostile terrain.

Economic Prosperity

The state of being successful and thriving economically, often associated with regions participating in lucrative trade.

Commodity

A raw material or primary agricultural product that can be bought and sold, such as salt, gold, or ivory.

Adornments

Decorative items or ornaments used to enhance the appearance of something, such as carvings, jewelry, or feathers.

Salt

A valuable commodity traded in the trans-Saharan routes; essential for food preservation and health.

Gold

A precious metal abundant in West Africa, particularly in Mali, and highly sought after in the trans-Saharan trade.

Ivory

Hard, off-white cream material from elephant tusks traded for carvings and ornaments.

Ostrich Feathers

Feathers from ostriches, traded for decorative purposes, often used in fashion and ornamentation.

Slaves

Individuals traded as commodities, often captured in West Africa and sold in North Africa and Europe.

Cultural Exchange

The sharing and blending of cultural elements between different regions as a result of trade and interaction.

Decline

The diminishing or weakening of the trans-Saharan trade routes, leading to changes in the economic and cultural dynamics.

Cultural Flourishing

The period during which cities like Timbuktu and Djenne experienced growth and development in cultural and intellectual activities.