2.4: Trans-Saharan Trade Routes 1200-1450 T

Linked North Africa and Mediterranean with interior of Africa

• Both areas had different goods from different climates which incentivized trade

• North africa mainly produced manufactured goods like cloth, glasswork, books

• Southwest Africa were agricultural: grain crops, yams, kola nuts

Introduction of Arabian Camel facilitated trade

• Camels could easily cross the harsh deserts allowing easier travel across Sahara

Cultural changes in Trans-Saharan Trade Routes

• 500-1600, west african civilizations grew

  • Kingdom of Mali (more info unit 1) peaked in 14th century

  • Monopoly on trade of horses and metals

  • Generated revenue by taxing salt and copper

  • Social hierarchy:

    • Similar to other civilizations, royalty, then elite classes, then merchants, then military/religion then peasants, then slaves