APWH 2.4: Trans-Saharan Trade Network

The Context:

• Trans-Saharan Network: Trade routes that connected North Africa and the Mediterranean w/ the West Africa interior and the rest of sub-Saharan Africa

• New tech → comfortable travels + carrying bigger loads + shelters → Trans-Saharan Network expanded in 1200s

Expansion Causes

Transportation Technologies

• The Saharan Desert was a difficult region to trek n’ travel

Arabian Camels

• Introduced to Africa thousands years ago

• Made it possible to even move across the desert

Camel Saddles

• Used for riding and carrying bigger loads of merch

• Comfortable and eased carrying merch

Caravanserai

• Like the Silk Roads, inns & rest stops were conveniently located for desert travelers

Trans-Saharan Goods

• Each region specialized in the production of goods

• These differences created demand to trade w/ each other → expanded networks

Gold

• Main product people came to Africa for

Kola Nuts

• Used as caffeine

Horses

Salt

• Heavy demand across the continent

The Growth of Empires

Mali Empire

• Established in the 13th century

• Converted to Islam hundred years earlier → connected w/ trade partnerships of Dar-al-Islam

• Religious + economic connection = Mali got $ b/c of participating in Trans-Saharan network

• Exported gold

• Gained $ by taxing merchants traveling through their lands

Comparison: Sultanate of Malacca vs Mali

Similarities:

• Controlled strategic points along high-traffic trade routes

• Grew powerful & $

Mansa Musa

• Powerful & influential Muslim ruler of Mali

• Left to go do Hajj w/ gigantic troops and servants

• Stopped in Egypt to resupply → too $ that inflation occurred