Question

...There are in Timbuktu numerous judges, teachers, and priests, all

properly appointed by the king. He greatly honors learning. Many hand-
written books imported from Barbary are also sold. There is more profit
made from this commerce than from all other merchandize...
-Leo Africanus, The Description of Africa, 1526

Answer 1

The passage you shared from Leo Africanus's "The Description of Africa" (1526) highlights the importance of books and learning in Timbuktu during the 16th century.

Here are some key insights we can glean:

Timbuktu as a center of learning:

* Africanus mentions numerous judges, teachers, and priests, indicating a strong emphasis on education and religious study.

* The king is described as "honoring learning," suggesting official support and patronage for scholarship.

The flourishing trade in books:

* Handwritten books from Barbary (North Africa) were being imported and sold in Timbuktu, implying a demand for knowledge and a flourishing intellectual scene.

* The passage even states that book trade generated more profit than any other merchandise, showcasing the significant value placed on learning and literacy.

Overall, this passage provides a valuable glimpse into the vibrant intellectual life of Timbuktu during the 16th century and its potential role as a center of learning and knowledge exchange in West Africa.