Question

What was life and trade like in the Sahara Desert prior to the early 1200s?

a. The Sahara was a barren wasteland with no trade.
b. Nomadic groups engaged in trade across the desert, primarily in salt and gold.
c. The Sahara was inhabited by settled agricultural communities engaged in trade.
d. The Sahara was primarily used for military expeditions.

Answer 1

Trade in the Sahara Desert before the early 1200s involved nomadic groups exchanging commodities like salt and gold. Small settlements and oases facilitated trade in the region.

Step-by-step explanation:

Prior to the early 1200s, trade in the Sahara Desert was primarily conducted by nomadic groups and focused on the exchange of commodities such as salt and gold. The desert was not a barren wasteland, but rather contained small settlements and oases that acted as trading hubs. Salt, which was scarce in agricultural communities south of the Sahara, served as a valuable currency. Gradually, other goods like gold and copper were introduced into the trade routes.