4.2. COMMERCE STRIKES A COMMUNAL SOCIETY

 .5.2. Commerce strikes communal society

SAHARAN EXCHANGES OF GOLD FOR SALT AND SLAVES SPARK TRANSFORMATION

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

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

Toward 1700, 

their ripples reach the forest fringe. 

• The legendary empires of the medieval savannah

• Trade strengthens social systems, then transforms them

• Classless communities that elders lead 

• Cowries, new traders and textiles...

• The cowrie currency meets violent resistance

• A cycle of change

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The legendary empires of the medieval savannah