Saharan Networks explores the vital role of the Sahara Desert as a conduit for trade, cultural exchange, and globalization in world history.
Challenging the perception of Africa as isolated, the book reveals intricate networks connecting sub-Saharan Africa to the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and beyond.
These Saharan trade networks facilitated the exchange of commodities like gold and salt, impacting societies and enabling the rise of empires such as Ghana, Mali, and Songhai.
The book examines the roles of Berber traders, Arab merchants, and African intermediaries, while investigating the social, religious, and political dimensions of this economic history.
It progresses from establishing the geographical context to exploring key commodities, influential groups, and the eventual decline of these networks due to European maritime expansion.
By utilizing diverse sources, including archaeological findings and historical chronicles, Saharan Networks emphasizes the agency of African actors in shaping trans-Saharan trade, offering a nuanced perspective on a crucial aspect of world history.