Which of the following best explains the relative significance of the trans-Saharan and Indian Ocean trade routes?
Responses
The routes were equally significant—each in its own way—as they both contributed to significant cultural developments along the routes, and worth cannot be measured simply by the goods that were traded.
The routes were equally significant—each in its own way—as they both contributed to significant cultural developments along the routes, and worth cannot be measured simply by the goods that were traded. - not selected, this is the correct answer
Neither of them was significant because both were limited in whom they could reach.
Neither of them was significant because both were limited in whom they could reach. - no response given
The Indian Ocean basin was more significant because it connected the Middle East and parts of Africa with Asia, specifically China, and it had important goods such as silk and porcelain.
The Indian Ocean basin was more significant because it connected the Middle East and parts of Africa with Asia, specifically China, and it had important goods such as silk and porcelain. - incorrect
Trans-Saharan trade was more significant because it had more valuable resources such as salt, gold, and ivory.
Trans-Saharan trade was more significant because it had more valuable resources such as salt, gold, and ivory. - incorrect
Trans-Saharan trade was more significant because it had more valuable resources such as salt, gold, and ivory. - incorrect
The correct answer is:
The routes were equally significant—each in its own way—as they both contributed to significant cultural developments along the routes, and worth cannot be measured simply by the goods that were traded.
To determine the best explanation, we need to consider the significance of both the trans-Saharan and Indian Ocean trade routes.
To understand the significance of the trans-Saharan trade route, we can look at the valuable resources that it facilitated the exchange of, such as salt, gold, and ivory. The trans-Saharan trade route connected the regions of North Africa and the Sahel with the Mediterranean and West Africa. It played a crucial role in the spread of Islam, the development of empires like Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, and the cultural exchange between North African Arab traders and West African societies.
On the other hand, the Indian Ocean trade route was also of great significance. It connected the Middle East, including the Arabian Peninsula, with parts of Africa and Asia, specifically China. This trade route allowed for the exchange of goods such as spices, silk, textiles, and porcelain, which were highly valued in various regions. Along with goods, the Indian Ocean trade route facilitated the exchange of ideas, technologies, and religions, including Buddhism and Islam. This route was instrumental in the growth of coastal city-states in East Africa, the emergence of empires like the Gupta Empire in India, and the spread of cultural and technological advancements.
Considering these factors, it becomes clear that both routes had their own unique significance and contributed to significant cultural developments. The worth and significance cannot be measured simply by the goods that were traded. It is important to acknowledge the cultural exchanges, technological advancements, and socio-political impacts that occurred along these routes.