The Trans-Saharan Trade route stretched across the northern half of Africa. The trade route primarily connected West Africa with Europe and Eastern Africa, and was made possible by the use of camels as vehicles for travel.

Learning Objectives for 2.4 Trans-Saharan Trade Route

• Explain the causes and effects of the growth of trans-saharan trade

• Explain the expansion of empires influenced trade and communication over time

Historical Developments in 2.4 Trans-Saharan Trade Routes

• The growth of interregional trade was encouraged by innovations in existing transportation technologies.

• Improved transportation technologies and commercial practices led to an increased volume of trade and expanded the geographical range of existing trade routes, including the trans-saharan trade network

• The expansion of empires--including Mali in West Africa- facilitated Afro-Eurasion trade and communication as new people were drawn in to the economies and trade networks

Maps & Visuals - 2.4

Additional Resources - 2.4