Question

Given the great risks involved in crossing the Sahara, why do you think some groups would have engaged in such endeavors?

a) To explore potential trade routes and access valuable resources.
b) They sought adventure and exploration opportunities.
c) To establish cultural connections with distant tribes.
d) To escape political conflicts in their homelands.

Answer 1

Some groups engaged in crossing the Sahara for trade, cultural connections, and to escape political conflicts.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given the great risks involved in crossing the Sahara, it is likely that some groups engaged in such endeavors for multiple reasons:

1. To explore potential trade routes and access valuable resources. The Sahara was a gateway between North and West Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, making it a crucial region for trade. Early trade in the Sahara involved passing goods from oasis to oasis, and salt was a highly valued commodity exchanged during this time. Gradually, other valuable goods such as gold and copper were introduced.
2. To establish cultural connections with distant tribes. Trade networks in the Sahara facilitated the diffusion of cultural influences, including religion, between different civilizations. Settlements like Awdaghost, Sijilmasa, and Djenné served as cosmopolitan trading centers that linked desert trade routes.
3. To escape political conflicts in their homelands. In times of drought and food shortages, people faced precarious situations and uncertain prospects. Some individuals or groups may have chosen to migrate across the Sahara in search of stable environments and new opportunities.