trans-Saharan trade routes

The trans-Saharan trade routes are historic pathways across the Sahara Desert connecting West Africa to North Africa and beyond. These routes enabled the exchange of goods like gold, salt, ivory, and textiles, facilitated by camel caravans that could traverse harsh desert conditions. They also facilitated cultural exchanges, spreading ideas, language, and religion, including Islam. These trade networks played a crucial role in shaping West African kingdoms and fostering economic and cultural links between sub-Saharan Africa and the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions.