Question

1) How does the physical geography of northern Africa play a role in the cultural divide?

2. What were two early African cultures and where did they develop?

3. Why did the western Sahel become an important trade area?

Answer 1

The Sahara desert spans most of northern Africa. It is a natural barrier to trade and cultural exchange.

The Empire of Ghana developed in western Africa from about 350-1200 AD. They had large amounts of gold and salt. Their economy was largely based on trade.
The empire was locate in present day western Mali and Mauritana. The modern country of Ghana shares no area with the old Empire.

Ghana submitted to the Mali Empire about 1200. Mali stretchedfrom Timbuktu to the Atlantic on the west along the northern side of the Niger River. Mali not only dominated Ghana, but several other tribal civilizations. The wealth of Mali leaders was legendary especially that of Sundiata and Mansa Musa. It is said that Mansa Musa single handedly ruined the economy of Cairo on his way to Mecca. Mansa Musa spent so much gold that the economy was in ruin by the time he left.

Western Sahara had gold, salt and the Niger River as noted.