The camel saddle made long journeys across the Sahara more practical.
← Unit 2: Networks of Exchange
Topic 2.4 · c. 1200–1450
Trans-Saharan Trade Routes
Camel caravans carried gold, salt, and other goods across the Sahara. Trade helped West African states grow and linked the Sahel to North Africa and the wider Islamic world.
The big picture
What to know
Camel caravans carried gold, salt, and other goods across the Sahara. Trade helped West African states grow and linked the Sahel to North Africa and the wider Islamic world.
Gold and salt were valuable goods traded across the desert.
Mali's rulers benefited from taxes and connections to trans-Saharan exchange.
Check your understanding
01 / Multiple choice · 3 questions
Choose one answer for each question. Feedback appears below it.
Question 01
Which example fits this clue? The camel saddle made long journeys across the Sahara more practical.
Select an answer to check your thinking.
Question 02
Which example fits this clue? This example were valuable goods traded across the desert.
Select an answer to check your thinking.
Question 03
Which example fits this clue? This example's rulers benefited from taxes and connections to trans-Saharan exchange.
Select an answer to check your thinking.
02 / Write with evidence
Write a short response
How did desert trade affect West African societies?
- Make a claim that answers the question.
- Use two examples from the review.
- Explain how the examples support your claim.
See a model response
Camel caravans carried gold, salt, and other goods across the Sahara. The camel saddle made long journeys across the Sahara more practical. Gold and salt were valuable goods traded across the desert.
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Resources & review
Quick study check
Before opening another resource, explain these examples from memory. Reveal each explanation to check yourself.
camel saddle
The camel saddle made long journeys across the Sahara more practical.
gold and salt
Gold and salt were valuable goods traded across the desert.
Mali
Mali's rulers benefited from taxes and connections to trans-Saharan exchange.
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