The Trans-Saharan Trade Route
Unit 2: c. 1200-1450
Main Ideas:
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Improved commercial practices → Increased the reach and volume of trade along this trade route
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Expansion of Mali Empire → More people were drawn into the trans-Saharan Trade Route
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Islam spread via North African merchants → Many West Africans converted to Islam but retained their indigenous African traditions
The Trans-Saharan Route
A Trade Route Connecting North Africa & West Africa
Key Ideas:
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Improved commercial practices increased the volume of trade
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Camels were used as they could hold heavy loads & survive long without water → Very useful in the desert
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Caravanserai were roadside inns where merchants rest for the night
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Mali Empire facilitated trans-Saharan Trade
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Mali empire traded goods like gold & ivory → Became very rich & prosperous
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Islam spread to West Africa via North African Merchants → Many West Africans converted to Islam but retained some indigenous African traditions
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Some West Africans converted to Islam to forge better relations with Islamic North African Merchants
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Those who converted didn't fully follow Islamic sharia law & retained some indigenous African traditions
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Most West African Muslims didn't follow Islamic ideals of women subordination
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Mansa Musa was inspired by Islam and built mosques & Islamic schools in West Africa to promote Islam
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Goods & Ideas Exchanged:
Islam
Gold
Ivory
Salt
Slaves
Books
A camel caravan on the trans-Saharan Trade Route

A caravanserai (roadside inn) in Oualata, Mauritania, where travelers would rest for the night
