Question

What important natural resource in west Africa did the Songhai empire control?

A. Salt mines in the Sahara desert
B. Nile river
C. Atlas Mountains
D. The only access to the Atlantic Ocean

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

A. Salt mines in the Sahara desert

Explanation:

The Songhai Empire (14th and 15th century) controlled the area of the Niger River to the Atlantic Coasts, with the city of Gao as its capital. The Songhai Empire was one of the largest of its time and was governed by the Sonni dynasty. Trade was one of the main activities that transformed the Songhai Empire into a commercial center, they controlled the production and trade of salt from salt mines in the Sahara desert; other goods the Songhai Empire traded were cloth, arms, copper and horses.

Answer 2

The correct answer is A. Salt mines in the Sahara desert

Salt was extremely important at that time and was even used as currency often because it was expensive.