Which commodity was the largest source of trade for West Africa along the trans-Saharan trade route?(1 point)
Responses
silk
silk
ivory
ivory
salt
salt
porcelain
salt
The commodity that was the largest source of trade for West Africa along the trans-Saharan trade route was salt.
The correct answer is salt. To determine the largest source of trade for West Africa along the trans-Saharan trade route, we can consider the geographical factors and historical records.
The trans-Saharan trade route was a network of trade routes that connected the regions of West Africa with the Mediterranean world. This route was essential for trade and cultural exchange for several centuries, from around the 8th century to the 16th century.
Geographically, West Africa is a region that is rich in natural resources, such as gold, ivory, and various agricultural products. However, salt played a crucial role in this trade route.
Salt was in high demand during the medieval period because it was not readily available in many parts of the world. Therefore, the trans-Saharan trade route provided the means to transport salt from the salt mines in the Sahara desert to other regions of West Africa and beyond.
The availability of salt as a commodity made it a significant source of trade for West Africa along the trans-Saharan trade route. This commodity was not only used for food preservation but also for various economic and cultural purposes. It was used as a form of currency, a preservative for food, and even as a symbol of status in some societies.
In summary, out of the options provided, salt was the largest source of trade for West Africa along the trans-Saharan trade route.