Trans-Saharan trade

Trans-Saharan trade refers to the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture across the Sahara Desert, connecting North Africa with sub-Saharan regions from around the 8th century to the 17th century. Key goods included gold, salt, ivory, and textiles. Caravans of traders, often using camels, traveled vast distances despite harsh conditions. This trade route facilitated not only economic interactions but also cultural exchanges, leading to the spread of Islam and advancements in knowledge. Important cities like Timbuktu became centers of trade and scholarship, significantly impacting African societies and connecting them to broader global trade networks.