Trans-Saharan Trade Networks and Their Transformation (c. 700–1600 CE)

1. Camel caravans expand Sahara crossing

   Jan 1, 700Labels: Camel caravans, Sahara

   • Met Museum
   • Britannica Sahara
   • Trans Saharan

2. Founding of Sijilmasa strengthens a key northern hub

   Jan 1, 758Labels: Sijilmasa, Tafilalt Oasis

   • Sijilmasa
   • Isa al Aswad

3. Ghana Empire benefits from rising trans-Saharan gold trade

   Jan 1, 800Labels: Ghana Empire, Wagadou

   • Met Museum
   • Trans Saharan

4. Almoravids take Awdaghust, redirecting trade leverage

   Jan 1, 1054Labels: Almoravids, Awdaghust

   • Trans Saharan
   • EBSCO Kumbi

5. Almoravid sack of Kumbi Saleh weakens Ghana’s core

   Jan 1, 1076Labels: Almoravids, Kumbi Saleh

   • EBSCO Kumbi
   • Tunka Manin

6. Battle of Kirina helps establish the Mali Empire

   Jan 1, 1235Labels: Battle of, Sundiata Keita

   • Britannica Sundiata
   • Kirina

7. Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage highlights Mali’s gold wealth

   Jan 1, 1324Labels: Mansa Musa, Mali Empire

   • Mali Empire
   • Met Museum

8. Taghaza salt center documented on key caravan route

   Jan 1, 1352Labels: Taghaza, Salt mines

   • Taghaza

9. Sunni Ali captures Timbuktu, shifting control of trade cities

   Jan 1, 1468Labels: Sunni Ali, Timbuktu

   • WHE Songhai
   • Sunni Ali

10. Portuguese build Elmina Castle, accelerating Atlantic alternatives

    Jan 1, 1482Labels: Elmina Castle, Portugal

    • Britannica Elmina
    • Elmina Castle

11. Askia Muhammad I reorganizes Songhai to support commerce

    Jan 1, 1493Labels: Askia Muhammad, Songhai

    • Britannica Askia
    • WHE Songhai

12. Morocco invades Songhai, disrupting Sahel–Sahara trade order

    Mar 13, 1591Labels: Morocco, Battle of

    • Tondibi
    • Moroccan invasion

13. Trans-Saharan trade peak wanes as new routes and politics reshape flows

    Jan 1, 1600Labels: Trans-Saharan trade, Atlantic routes

    • Trans Saharan
    • Britannica Elmina