AP World History: Trans-Saharan Trade Routes (Chapter 2.4)

Introduction

• Focus on Trans-Saharan Trade Routes
• Quote from Ibn Battuta, 14th-century scholar and explorer

Essential Questions

• Causes and effects of Trans-Saharan trade
• Influence of empire growth on trade and communication

Early Trade Conditions

• Sahara Desert: Sparsely populated due to harsh climate
• Increased trade with arrival of Muslim merchants (7th-8th centuries)
• Expansion under empires like Mali in the early 1200s

Trade Commodities

• Africans traded gold, ivory, hides, and slaves
• Arabs and Berbers traded salt, cloth, paper, and horses

Sahara Desert Geography

• Size: 3.6 million square miles
• Oases: Only habitable areas with water source

Camels and Trade

• Camels introduced in North Africa in 3rd century BCE
• Camels adapted to desert conditions better than horses
• Development of various camel saddles for trade efficiency
  • South Arabian, Northern Arabian, Somali saddles

Comparison of Pack Animals

• Camel: Long-distance travel, carries up to 600 lbs
• Ox: High stamina, heavy loads, slow
• Horse: High speed, adaptable, strays easily
• Llama: Mountain traction, less load capacity

Trade Routes and Cultural Exchange

• Caravans often had thousands of camels
• 7 north-south and 2 east-west trade routes across the Sahara
• Linked sub-Saharan Africa to Mediterranean cultures

West African Wealth and Empire Expansion

• Gold as key trade commodity
• Influence of Ghana and Mali kingdoms
• Spread of Islam through trade

Mali’s Rise and Riches

• Mali's wealth from gold trade and taxation
• Timbuktu: Center of Islamic learning and trade

Governance and Economy

• Need for currency and trade protection
• Expansion for resource control

Notable Figures

• Sundiata: Founder of Mali, established trade
• Mansa Musa: Pilgrimage to Mecca, religious influence

Decline and Legacy

• Decline of Mali by late 1400s
• Rise of Songhai Empire
• Continued influence of Islam

Conclusion

• Sundiata's story as an example of personal resilience and political acumen
• Trans-Saharan trade's significant historical impact on wealth, culture, and religion in West Africa

Key Terms

• Government: Mali, Sundiata, Mansa Musa, Songhai Kingdom
• Culture: Islam, Timbuktu, Mecca
• Economics: Trans-Saharan trade
• Environment: Sahara Desert, oasis
• Technology: Camel, saddle

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Tools for Review:

• Compare with tables and maps for visualization
• Refer back to previous chapters for context on trade routes and historical developments