Trans-Saharan Trade Network

Trans-Saharan Trade Network

• Series of trade routes connecting North Africa/Mediterranean with interior West Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.
• Expanded significantly starting around 1200 CE.

Causes of Expansion

• Innovations in Transportation Technology:
  • Introduction of the Arabian camel (about 1000 years prior).
  • Use of camel saddles for riding and carrying merchandise.
  • Establishment of caravanserai (rest stops) along trade routes.

Traded Goods

• Exports:
  • Gold and crops (cola nuts for caffeine).
  • Horses and salt (especially in demand).

Rise of Powerful States

• Empire of Mali:
  • Established in the 13th century; Islam introduced earlier.
  • Grew wealthy due to participation in Trans-Saharan trade.
  • Taxed merchants traveling through their territory.
  • Similar to the Sultanate of Malacca, controlled strategic points along trade routes.

Mansa Musa

• Most powerful and influential ruler of Mali.
• Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) demonstrated Mali's wealth.
• Injected so much gold into the Egyptian economy that the value of all existing gold plummeted.
• Further monopolized trade, increasing Mali's wealth.