The Trans-Saharan Trade Routes

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Where is the Sahara Desert located?

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North Africa

Front

What is the Sahara Desert known for?

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The largest hot desert on Earth.

Front

What are the main resources of the Sahara?

Back

Gold and Salt.

Front

How did merchants navigate the Trans-Saharan Trade Routes?

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Using the stars and a compass, similar to sailors at sea.

Front

Why were camels important for travel in the Sahara?

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1. They retain water and calories better than horses. 2. Their softer hooves can handle shifting desert sands. 3. They are stronger than horses, with a carrying capacity of over 600 lbs.

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Ruler of the West African Mali Empire from 1312-1337, known for controlling the gold and salt trade and spreading Islam in Northern Africa.

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Who was Mansa Musa?

Front

A Moroccan scholar and traveler who lived from 1304-1369, traveled the Muslim world for 30 years, and recorded his travels in a guide called the 'Rihla'.

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Who was Ibn Battuta?