WORLD HISTORY

HISTORY

THE MUSLIM WORLD AND AFRICA

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
Which statement best describes the trans-Saharan trade city of Timbuktu?
A
Was well developed before the arrival of Europeans
B
A trade hub
C
A center of education
D
All of the above
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Timbuktu, French Tombouctou, city in the western African country of Mali, historically important as a trading post on the trans-Saharan caravan route and as a centre of Islamic culture (c. 1400–1600).

Detailed explanation-2: -Starting out as a seasonal settlement, Timbuktu in Mali became a permanent settlement early in the 12th century. After a shift in trading routes, the town flourished from the trade in salt, gold, ivory and slaves from several towns and states such as Begho of Bonoman, Sijilmassa, and other Saharan cities.

Detailed explanation-3: -There were also five major rendezvous stations where merchants gathered money, camels, drivers, guides, water, provisions, and trade goods for the journey south: Sijilmasa, In Salah, Wargla, Ghadames, and Aujila.

Detailed explanation-4: -Timbuktu was the starting point for trans-Saharan camel caravans which transported goods northwards. Timbuktu was one of the most important cities in the Mali Empire because of its location near the Niger River bend and so it was fed by the trade along both the east and west branches of this great water highway.

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