Which of the following best explains the relative significance of the trans-Saharan and Indian Ocean trade routes?(1 point)ResponsesThe 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.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.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.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.
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 most accurate response 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 relative significance of the trans-Saharan and Indian Ocean trade routes, we need to evaluate the contributions of each route and the goods they traded.
The trans-Saharan trade route connected North Africa with West Africa, stretching across the Sahara Desert. This route facilitated the exchange of valuable resources such as salt, gold, and ivory. The abundance of these resources made the trans-Saharan trade route economically significant and influenced the development of wealthy states and empires, such as the Ghana, Mali, and Songhai empires.
On the other hand, the Indian Ocean trade route connected the Middle East, parts of Africa, and Asia, particularly China. This trade route allowed for the exchange of goods such as silk and porcelain, which were highly valued commodities at the time. In addition to trade, the Indian Ocean route also facilitated the exchange of ideas, technologies, and cultural practices, leading to significant cultural developments and the spread of religions like Islam and Buddhism.
Both trade routes were important in their own ways, and their significance cannot be solely measured by the goods that were traded. The trans-Saharan trade route contributed to the prosperity of West African kingdoms and the economic development of the region, while the Indian Ocean trade route connected diverse societies and promoted cultural exchange.
Based on this evaluation, the option that best explains the relative significance of the trans-Saharan and Indian Ocean trade routes 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."