Trans-Saharan Trade Routes and Their Cultural Impact

The Trans-Saharan Trade Route was a network of paths connecting Northern Africa to Sub-Saharan regions, facilitating trade in goods like gold, salt, and ivory. The introduction of camels revolutionized trade, allowing for greater movement across the desert. This trade network also enabled cultural and religious exchanges, notably spreading Islam and the Arabic language. However, the trade route declined with the rise of sea routes and European trade, marking the end of its prominence.

What was the primary challenge faced by merchants traveling across the Sahara before the introduction of camels?

• Hostile local tribes

• Treacherous terrain and climate

• Lack of navigational tools

• Scarcity of trade goods

Which animal played a crucial role in the expansion of the Trans-Saharan trade?

• Horses

• Elephants

• Camels

• Oxen

What were the two primary goods traded between the Sahara and the west coast?

• Ivory and spices

• Textiles and copper

• Salt and gold

• Weapons and glass

How did the introduction of camels impact the Trans-Saharan trade?

• It allowed for longer and more efficient trade journeys

• It reduced the variety of goods traded

• It made trade more dangerous

• It decreased the number of trade routes

What was one of the significant cultural impacts of the Trans-Saharan trade?

• The spread of Christianity

• The decline of local languages

• The spread of Islam

• The introduction of new agricultural techniques

Which language became more prevalent in West Africa due to the Trans-Saharan trade?

• French

• Arabic

• Swahili

• Portuguese

What was a key factor in the decline of the Trans-Saharan trade route?

• The depletion of gold reserves

• The invention of the steam engine

• The discovery of sea routes by the Portuguese

• The rise of the Roman Empire

How did the discovery of sea routes affect the Trans-Saharan trade?

• It provided a safer and more efficient alternative

• It made the desert routes more popular

• It led to the rise of new desert cities

• It increased the demand for camels

What role did the Portuguese play in the decline of the Trans-Saharan trade?

• They introduced new trade goods

• They built caravanserais

• They mapped preferred sea routes

• They established new desert trade routes

What was one of the negative consequences of the Trans-Saharan trade?

• The decline of local craftsmanship

• The occurrence of warfare and the trade of enslaved humans

• The depletion of natural resources

• The spread of disease