Question

The Description of Africa, 1526

What caused Timbuktu to develop into the city that Leo Africanus describes?
It was the capital of Songhay, and as such was the government and administrative hub.
It was the only city in this part of west Africa untouched by the Black Death.
It was a center of Portuguese activity and had developed as a slaving center.
It was situated on an important trans-Saharan trade route.

Answer 1

Timbuktu developed into the city Leo Africanus describes due to being the capital of Songhay, its location on the trans-Saharan trade route, and its role as a cultural and intellectual center.

Step-by-step explanation:

The development of Timbuktu as described by Leo Africanus can be attributed to several factors. First, it served as the capital of the Songhay Empire, making it the political and administrative center of the region. Second, Timbuktu was a major hub along the trans-Saharan trade route, connecting North Africa with West Africa, which brought wealth and commerce to the city. Finally, Timbuktu had also become a center of intellectual and cultural exchange, attracting scholars, traders, and travelers from across the Islamic world.

Learn more about Timbuktu's development and significance