IV.2. THE EFFECTS OF COMMERCE ON PRIMAL SOCIETIES

4.2. Effect of commerce on primal societies 

TAKE THE SAHARAN EXCHANGES OF GOLD FOR SALT AND SLAVES 

And the ripples that reach the forest fringe.

(Toward 1800) 

           Thanks to T.L. Miles for this excellent map / zoom 

The main trans-Saharan caravan routes toward 1400. Yellow: Modern Niger.

In brief

• The legendary empires o the medieval savannah

• Trade strengthens social systems, then transforms them

• Classless communities that elders lead 

• Traders and textiles come to Djimini

• A divisible currency brings upheaval

• Introducing a cycle of change

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Next,

The legendary empires of the medieval savannah