Final answer:
Early trade in the Sahara region focused on trading surplus food products. On the Trans-Saharan Trade Route, goods like gold, salt, ivory, slaves, textiles, and books were traded.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early trade in the Sahara region focused on trading surplus food products because it was one of the most essential commodities in the barren desert. The ability to produce more food than what was required to sustain a community allowed for trade with neighboring regions. Food surplus led to the development of trading networks where agricultural products like grains, dates, and salt were exchanged.
On the Trans-Saharan Trade Route, various goods were traded. These include gold, salt, ivory, slaves, textiles, and books. Gold was highly valued and came from West Africa, while salt was obtained from the Sahara Desert's salt mines. Slaves were unfortunately also a part of this trade, as they were captured and sold to various parts of the world. Textiles and books were also traded, representing cultural exchange and the spread of knowledge.
Learn more about Trade in the Sahara region