Which of the following best explains the relative significance of the trans-Saharan and Indian Ocean trade routes?(1 point)
Responses
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.
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.
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.
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 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 best explanation for the relative significance of the trans-Saharan and Indian Ocean trade routes is:
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.
To determine the best explanation for the relative significance of the trans-Saharan and Indian Ocean trade routes, we need to consider the factors that make each route significant.
1. Trans-Saharan Trade: This route refers to the trade network that connected the regions of North Africa, specifically the Saharan desert, with West Africa. One reason why this route was significant is because it facilitated the exchange of valuable resources such as salt, gold, and ivory. These commodities played a crucial role in the economic development and political power of many societies along the trade route.
2. Indian Ocean Trade: This route refers to the trade network that connected the regions surrounding the Indian Ocean. The Indian Ocean basin was significant because it connected the Middle East and parts of Africa with Asia, specifically China. This route facilitated the exchange of important goods such as silk and porcelain, which were highly valued and sought after by societies along the trade route.
3. Cultural Developments: Another way to assess the significance of these trade routes is by considering the cultural developments they fostered. Both the trans-Saharan and Indian Ocean trade routes contributed to significant cultural exchanges, the spread of ideas, and the development of diverse cultural practices. Therefore, their significance cannot be solely measured by the goods that were traded, but also by the broader cultural impacts they had.
4. Limitations: While both routes had their significance, it's important to acknowledge their limitations. The trans-Saharan trade route was limited in its reach, only connecting North Africa and West Africa. Similarly, the Indian Ocean trade route had limited connectivity to regions outside of the Indian Ocean basin. These limitations may have influenced the scale and extent of their economic and cultural significance.
Considering these factors, the option that best explains the relative significance of the trans-Saharan and Indian Ocean trade routes is: "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." This option highlights the valuable goods traded and the extensive connectivity of the Indian Ocean trade route. However, it is important to note that the other options may also have elements of truth in terms of specific resources or cultural developments.