Which commodity was the largest source of trade for West Africa along the trans-Saharan trade route?
(1 point)
porcelain
ivory
silk
salt
salt
Salt was the largest source of trade for West Africa along the trans-Saharan trade route.
The largest source of trade for West Africa along the trans-Saharan trade route was salt.
To arrive at this answer, one can follow these steps:
1. Understand the question: The question asks which commodity was the largest source of trade for West Africa along the trans-Saharan trade route.
2. Identify the commodities listed: The commodities listed are porcelain, ivory, silk, and salt.
3. Research the trans-Saharan trade route: The trans-Saharan trade route was an extensive trading network that connected West Africa with North Africa and the Mediterranean region. It involved the exchange of various goods, including gold, slaves, ivory, and salt.
4. Assess the best answer option: Out of the given choices, salt stands out as the most significant commodity on the trans-Saharan trade route. Salt was an essential item in West Africa, as it was used for preserving food, enhancing flavors, and as a valuable resource for trade. Additionally, regions in North Africa, such as the Sahara Desert, lacked access to salt deposits, making it a highly sought-after commodity.
Therefore, based on historical context and the role of salt in the trans-Saharan trade, the most appropriate answer is salt.