Trans-Saharan Trade Network

Trans-Saharan Trade Network Overview

• Connects North Africa and the Mediterranean with interior West Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

• Established long before 1200 but expanded significantly during this period.

Causes of Expansion

• Innovations in transportation technology.

  • Introduction of the Arabian camel (around 1000 BCE).

  • Development of camel saddles for riding and carrying larger loads.

• Establishment of caravanserais for rest and shelter along trade routes.

Trade Goods

• Regions specialized in exports:

  • Gold and kola nuts from different areas.

  • Horses and salt were highly demanded goods.

• Exchange driven by regional specialty created demand for trade.

Impact on States

• Growth of powerful states, notably the Empire of Mali.

  • Established in the 13th century with earlier Islamic influence.

  • Wealth derived from participation in the trans-Saharan trade.

  • Taxed merchants using trade routes through their territory.

Comparison with Other Trade Networks

• Similarities with the Malaccan sultanate in the Indian Ocean trade:

  • Control over strategic trade points.

  • Growth in power and wealth through trade.

Mansa Musa

• Notable ruler of Mali during its wealth peak.

• Undertook a pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca with a large entourage.

• Injected gold into the Egyptian economy, causing its value to plummet.

• Increased Mali's wealth and trade monopoly between North Africa and the continent's interior.