Trans-Saharan Trade Impacts and Roles

The trans-Saharan trade was a significant historical trade route across the Sahara, connecting North Africa with the Western Sudan. It involved the exchange of goods like gold, slaves, and salt. The trade was organized through large caravans and middlemen, with camels as the primary mode of transport. The trade routes were determined by the location of oases. The trade had both positive impacts, such as the growth of empires and cultural exchanges, and negative impacts, including increased warfare and slavery. The trade eventually declined due to various factors, including the exhaustion of resources and European intervention.

What does the term 'trans' in Trans-Saharan Trade signify?

• Across

• Within

• Under

• Beyond

Which commodity was considered the most important in the Trans-Saharan Trade?

• Salt

• Pepper

• Gold

• Ivory

From which region were horses obtained for the Trans-Saharan Trade?

• Tripoli

• Timbuktu

• Fez

• Cairo

What was the primary role of the Taureg desert guides in the trade?

• To act as interpreters

• To trade spices

• To mine gold

• To guide and protect caravans

Which city became a major center of learning due to the Trans-Saharan Trade?

• Marrakech

• Cairo

• Timbuktu

• Fez

What was one of the negative impacts of the Trans-Saharan Trade?

• Spread of Islamic education

• Growth of urban centers

• Increased warfare

• Introduction of new foods

Which empire was NOT directly involved in the Trans-Saharan Trade?

• Egypt

• Songhai

• Mali

• Ghana

What was a major consequence of the introduction of Islamic education in Western Sudan?

• Decline in trade

• Decrease in population

• Increased literacy

• Reduction in warfare

Which factor contributed to the decline of the Trans-Saharan Trade?

• Rise of new empires

• Exhaustion of trade commodities

• Increased demand for gold

• Introduction of new trade routes

What technological advancement improved trade efficiency in Western Sudan?

• Use of iron tools

• Development of new trade routes

• Invention of the wheel

• Introduction of camels