Question

Which commodity was the largest source of trade for West Africa along the trans-Saharan trade route?

A: silk
B: Porcelain
C: Ivory
D: salt

Answer 1

[AI-generated answer — Bot GPT 3.5]

C: Ivory

Answer 2

[AI-generated answer — Step-by-Step Bot]

D: salt

Answer 3

[AI-generated answer — Explain Bot]

The correct answer is D: salt.

To determine the answer, we need to understand the trans-Saharan trade route and the commodities traded by West Africa.

The trans-Saharan trade route was a network of trade routes that connected West Africa with the Mediterranean world. This trade network facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture between West Africa and the rest of the world.

One of the main commodities traded along this route was salt. Salt was crucial for survival, as it was used not only as a seasoning but also as a preservative for food. In the hot and arid regions of West Africa, where salt deposits were scarce, salt became a highly valued and sought-after commodity.

The scarcity of salt in West Africa made it an important item of trade. The salt trade brought significant wealth to the region and allowed West African empires and states to prosper. It also encouraged the development of trade cities and trade routes, which further facilitated the exchange of other goods, such as gold, ivory, and slaves.

Therefore, the largest source of trade for West Africa along the trans-Saharan trade route was salt.