Trans-Saharan Network Unit 2 Topic 4
Overview of the Trans-Saharan Network
The Trans-Saharan network consisted of trade routes connecting North Africa and the Mediterranean to Interior West Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.
These routes existed long before 1200, but saw significant expansion, leading to important consequences.
Causes of Expansion
Innovations in Transportation Technologies:
The introduction of the Arabian camel over a thousand years before facilitated travel across the harsh Sahara Desert; dry and wasn’t easy to cross.
Massive turning point in the development of these networks was the introduction of the Arabian camel about a 1000 years before our period started.
Use of camel saddles for riding and carrying heavier loads of merchandise emerged during this period.
Establishment of caravanserais (rest stops) along trade routes improved travel conditions for merchants.
With merchants now able to travel more comfortably and carry bigger loads and find shelter along the way by 1200 the Trans-saharan network expanded larger than it had ever been.
Economic Activities and Trade
Different regions specialized in specific goods:
Exports:
Gold and crops like kola nuts (a source of caffeine).
Horses and salt (particularly high demand for salt).
each region specialized in creating and growing various goods, and that difference created the demand to trade with each other and created the occasion for the expansion of those trade networks.
Political Consequences of Trade Expansion
Expansion of powerful states, notably the Empire of Mali:
Established in the 13th century; Islam was introduced earlier.
Participation in the Trans-Saharan trade enhanced Mali's economic power.
At this time when a state converts to Islam, they get connected into the economic trade partnerships throughout Dar-al Islam.
Mali taxed merchants traveling through its territory, increasing its wealth.
Mali exported their own goods notably, gold and also taxed other merchants traveling The trade routes through their territory.
Comparisons to Other Trade Powers
Similarities drawn between the Empire of Mali and the Sultanate of Malacca:
Both controlled strategic trade routes and gained wealth through commerce.
The Role of Mansa Musa
Mansa Musa, Mali’s most famous ruler, exemplified the empire's wealth:
He undertook the Hajj pilgrimage and traveled with a large entourage.
His journey included a stop in Egypt, where he dramatically impacted the economy by introducing a large amount of gold into circulation.
This event caused the value of existing gold to drop.
Mansa Musa’s wealth derived from Mali's trade across the Trans-Saharan network, which he used to further monopolize trade and increase the wealth of the empire.
Mansa Musa further monopolized trade between the north and the interior of the continent, both increasing the wealth of Mali and facilitating the growth of existing trade networks.
Conclusion
The Trans-Saharan trade network was crucial for the economic and political transformation of West Africa, leading to the rise of powerful states like Mali under influential leaders such as Mansa Musa.