Which commodity was the largest source of trade for West Africa along the trans-Saharan trade route?
salt
porcelain
ivory
silk
Salt
The largest source of trade for West Africa along the trans-Saharan trade route was salt.
The correct answer is salt. The largest source of trade for West Africa along the trans-Saharan trade route was salt. To find the answer, you can start by understanding the geographical location of West Africa and the trans-Saharan trade route. West Africa refers to the region in Africa located on the westernmost part of the continent. The trans-Saharan trade route, on the other hand, was a network of trade routes that connected North Africa (primarily the Mediterranean region) to West Africa.
Next, you can examine the nature of the trans-Saharan trade and the commodities involved. The trade across the Sahara Desert took place primarily through camel caravans and involved the exchange of various goods between different regions. Some of the notable commodities that were traded included gold, ivory, slaves, and salt.
Lastly, you can evaluate the significance of these commodities and their role in the trans-Saharan trade. While gold and ivory were highly valued commodities, salt played a particularly crucial role in this trade network. Salt was essential for survival in the arid regions of the Sahara Desert, and it also served as a preservative for food. Due to its importance, salt became a highly sought-after commodity in West Africa, and its trade formed a significant portion of the trans-Saharan trade.
Therefore, the largest source of trade for West Africa along the trans-Saharan trade route was salt.