The trans-Saharan trade

No one knows exactly when the trans-saharan trade first began. It may well have begun 2000 years ago. The trans-saharan trade involved two regions North Africa and Western Sudan.

Western Sudan is at present part of west Africa. The northern traders were the Berbers of North Africa. In the 7th century AD the Muslim Arabs conquered North Africa. The Arabs were great traders who were quick to see the potential of the trans-Saharan trade. The trade reached its peak during the period between the 8th and the 16th centuries AD.

For trade to take place, there must be a need between two people who have something the other doesn’t have, and wants. Read more