Ancient African Trade Routes: Gold, Islam, and Saharan Commerce

The Trans-Saharan Trade Network

The Trans-Saharan trade route was a vital commercial artery, connecting the Mediterranean coast of North Africa with West African nations from the 8th to the late 16th century. Following the 7th century, Arab expansion into North Africa led to their control over Saharan trade routes. The period from the 8th to the 11th centuries marked the development of this trade, with its zenith occurring between the 11th and 16th centuries. Subsequently, the trade experienced a decline. The Sahara Desert's central location made it the primary conduit for this commerce, which was primarily conducted by caravans of camels.

Economic Pillars: Gold, Slaves, and Global Links

A defining economic characteristic of Sub-Saharan Africa during this era was the export of primary products and the import of manufactured goods. Regions like modern-day Nigeria and Ghana possessed rich gold veins. Scholars estimate that by the 11th century, approximately nine tons of gold were exported annually to the Mediterranean coast and Europe. A significant portion of this gold traveled through Egypt, down the Red Sea, and eventually to India, funding the demand for spices and silks in Mediterranean commerce. In this way, African gold intricately linked the entire known world, excluding the Western Hemisphere.

Slaves were extensively used in the gold and salt mines. Furthermore, a high demand for household slaves existed among the elite in Muslim North Africa, Southern Europe, and Southwestern Asia.

The Transformative Influence of Islam

Conversion to Islam introduced West Africans to a rich and sophisticated culture. Its impact was multifaceted:

• By the late 11th century, Muslims were guiding the ruler of Ghana in the operation of his administrative machinery.
• Arab Muslims also taught Ghana's rulers how to manufacture bricks, leading to the construction of royal palaces and mosques from brick.
• African rulers corresponded with Arab and North African Muslim architects, logicians, and other intellectuals, who advised them on statecraft and religion.

Islam significantly accelerated the development of the West African empires from the 9th through the 15th centuries.