are there substantial similarites between the orgins and the devolpment of the silk road and trans-saharan trade?

We'll be glad to critique your answer.

Since you're in AP history, I know that you would rather research these questions yourself.

i think its

both trade routes spread the needed resources to its designated area.the trans trade route grew based on gold and salt supplies needed throughout africa.while the silk road traded several items for neede supplies like woolfabrics, jewlery and horses. they also spread religon like buddism and islam.

If you are truly in an AP World History class, I would like to see your response in better sentences with proper punctuation and capitalization. If you cannot respond well to questions like these, you either need to beef up your thinking and writing skills or find a different world history class. I'm not saying this to be cruel, but because you are supposed to be preparing to take the AP World History exam in May -- and believe me, your reading, thinking, and writing skills had better be terrific!

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/sub_worldhist.html

http://www.advancedplacementhistory.com/World%20Notes.html

and others:
http://www.google.com/search?q=ap+world+history&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7SUNA_en

Your answer is very good. Both trade routes crossed difficult terrains by following the easiest trails.

thank i just needed help to understand

Yes, there are substantial similarities between the origins and development of the Silk Road and Trans-Saharan trade. Both trade networks emerged in different regions of the world and played crucial roles in connecting distant civilizations and facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures. Here's how you can explore the origins and development of these trade routes:

1. Research the Origins: Begin by understanding the geographical context and historical background of each trade route.
- Silk Road: Investigate the origins of the Silk Road, which emerged during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE) in China. Research how it was driven by the Chinese search for horses and the desire to establish trade links with the Western regions.
- Trans-Saharan Trade: Explore the origins of the Trans-Saharan trade, which started around the 4th century CE. Understand how it developed in response to the increasing demand for gold, salt, and other commodities in North Africa and West Africa.

2. Study the Route and Transportation: Analyze the routes taken by both trade networks and the modes of transportation used.
- Silk Road: Learn about the various routes of the Silk Road, stretching from China to the Mediterranean. Understand that camels were widely used for transporting goods.
- Trans-Saharan Trade: Explore the different routes across the Sahara Desert, connecting North African cities like Timbuktu and Gao with trading centers in West Africa. Focus on camel caravans as the primary means of transportation.

3. Examine the Goods Traded: Investigate the types of goods that were exchanged along each trade route.
- Silk Road: Research the goods traded, which included silk, spices, precious metals, porcelain, and ideas such as Buddhism that spread from East to West and vice versa.
- Trans-Saharan Trade: Explore the commodities exchanged, such as gold, salt, ivory, textiles, and slaves that flowed across the Sahara Desert.

4. Explore Cultural Interactions: Understand how the trade routes facilitated cultural interchanges and influenced the societies along the routes.
- Silk Road: Explore the cultural diffusion between civilizations along the Silk Road, leading to the spread of technologies, religions (e.g., Buddhism, Islam), philosophies, and languages.
- Trans-Saharan Trade: Analyze the impact of cultural interactions, including the spread of Islam to West Africa, the influence of Arabic language and writing systems, and the exchange of musical, artistic, and architectural styles.

By conducting thorough research and comparing the origins, routes, goods, and cultural interactions, you can identify the substantial similarities between the Silk Road and Trans-Saharan trade and gain a deeper understanding of their historical significance.