TRANS SAHARA SLAVE TRADE

Native Historian

9 Jul 202110:02

Summary

TLDRThis episode explores the trans-sahara slave trade, an older and less known form of African enslavement that spanned over 20 million Africans across the Sahara to the Middle East. It discusses the trade's origins, the harsh journey slaves faced, and its impact on African kingdoms, including the Mali Empire under Mansa Musa. The script also touches on how European awareness of Africa's wealth led to the transatlantic slave trade and colonization.

Takeaways

🌍 The script discusses the trans-sahara slave trade, which is distinct from the transatlantic slave trade.
📚 The trans-sahara slave trade is the oldest form of slave trade in Africa, dating back to 1000 BCE.
🛣️ Trade routes across the Sahara were established for goods like gold, salt, and textiles.
🔗 The spread of Islam facilitated communication and trade between African and Arab traders.
🔢 It's estimated that over 20 million Africans were enslaved through the trans-sahara trade.
🐫 The journey across the Sahara was perilous for slaves, with many dying from dehydration and harsh conditions.
👥 Women captured often became sex slaves or concubines, while some men were trained as soldiers.
🏺 The Mali Empire, particularly under Mansa Musa, was a powerful kingdom that benefited from the slave trade.
💰 Mansa Musa's wealth in gold was so vast that he influenced the gold market in the Mediterranean.
🌐 European explorers were drawn to Africa's wealth, which eventually led to the transatlantic slave trade and colonization.
📖 The script invites viewers to stay tuned for more historical exploration in the upcoming season.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the discussed episode?
-The main focus of the discussed episode is the enslavement responsible for over 20 million Africans across the Sahara to Egypt, Syria, and other parts of the Middle East, known as the trans-sahara slave trade.
How does the trans-sahara slave trade differ from the transatlantic slave trade?
-The trans-sahara slave trade is older and involved the movement of slaves across the Sahara Desert to North Africa and the Middle East, whereas the transatlantic slave trade involved the forced exodus of Africans to the Caribbean and other parts of Europe.
When did the trans-sahara slave trade begin?
-The trans-sahara slave trade dates as far back as 1000 BCE.
What were the main items traded across the Sahara before the slave trade?
-Before the slave trade, items such as foodstuff, gold, and salt from the rich old mines of North Africa were traded along the Sahara routes.
How did the spread of Islam affect trade across the Sahara?
-The spread of Islam in West Africa, especially in areas close to the Sahara, bridged the communication gap between traders of African and Arab origin and fostered more trade across the desert.
What was the estimated number of Africans enslaved through the trans-sahara slave trade?
-Contemporary historians believe that over 27 million Africans were enslaved through the trans-sahara slave trade.
What were the conditions like for slaves crossing the Sahara?
-Slaves endured scorching sun, cold nights, sandy walkways, sandstorms, and often went for days without food and water. Dehydration killed more slaves than their slave masters did.
What was the role of camels in the trans-sahara slave trade?
-Camels, referred to as 'desert limos', were used to reduce the distance of the journey across the Sahara, but the slaves still had to endure harsh conditions.
What was the Mali Empire known for during the time of Mansa Musa?
-The Mali Empire, under Mansa Musa, was known for its wealth, extensive territories, over 400 cities, universities with Arabian scholars and architects, and its famous capital, Timbuktu.
How did Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca affect the gold market in Egypt?
-Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca, where he spent extensively and gave away large amounts of gold, is believed to have created a financial recession in Cairo for the next 10 years, potentially devaluing the Egyptian gold market.
What was the impact of the trans-sahara slave trade on the later transatlantic slave trade and colonization of Africa?
-The trans-sahara slave trade led to the rise of powerful kingdoms, which in turn caught the attention of Europeans, leading to the realization of Africa's vast wealth. This eventually gave birth to the transatlantic slave trade and later, the colonization of Africa.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 Trans-Saharan Slave Trade

This paragraph discusses the lesser-known history of the trans-Saharan slave trade, which predates the transatlantic slave trade and involved the movement of over 20 million Africans across the Sahara to regions such as Egypt and Syria. The trade began around 1000 BCE and was facilitated by established trade routes for goods like gold and salt. Arab merchants played a significant role, and as the trade grew, so did the demand for cheap labor, leading to the enslavement of Africans. The harsh journey across the Sahara was fraught with danger, including extreme weather conditions and the lack of food and water, which claimed many lives. Slaves faced brutal treatment, with some becoming sex slaves or concubines, and others being trained as soldiers. The paragraph also touches on the impact of the spread of Islam on trade and communication across the Sahara.

05:00

🏺 The Mali Empire and Mansa Musa

The second paragraph delves into the Mali Empire, particularly focusing on Mansa Musa, who ruled in the 14th century and was known for his immense wealth. Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca with a large entourage, including slaves and camels carrying gold, had a significant economic impact on the regions he visited, including Cairo. His actions are believed to have influenced the gold market and led to a financial recession. The Mali Empire, under Mansa Musa, was a powerful entity with over 400 cities and a thriving academic environment. The paragraph also discusses the influence of Mansa Musa's fame on European awareness of Africa's wealth, which eventually contributed to the transatlantic slave trade and colonization. The narrative concludes by inviting viewers to stay tuned for future episodes that will explore European exploration and the myths that facilitated colonization.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Trans-sahara Slave Trade

The Trans-sahara Slave Trade refers to the historical practice of trading enslaved Africans across the Sahara Desert to regions such as Egypt, Syria, and other parts of the Middle East. This trade predates the Transatlantic Slave Trade and involved the movement of over 20 million Africans. In the script, it is highlighted as the oldest form of slave trade in Africa, dating back to 1000 BCE, and was monopolized for centuries.

💡Transatlantic Slave Trade

The Transatlantic Slave Trade is the term used to describe the forced transportation of Africans to the Americas, particularly to the Caribbean and other parts of Europe. It is distinguished from the Trans-sahara Slave Trade by its direction and the fact that it occurred in later years, leading to the forced exodus of over 18 million Africans. The script mentions this to contrast it with the older Trans-sahara Slave Trade.

💡Desert Limos

In the script, 'Desert Limos' is a colloquial reference to camels, which were used to transport goods and people across the Sahara Desert. The introduction of camels revolutionized trade by reducing travel times, though slaves still had to endure harsh conditions. This term is used to illustrate the improvements in trade logistics while also highlighting the continued suffering of the slaves.

💡Mansa Musa

Mansa Musa was the tenth emperor of the Mali Empire and is known for being one of the wealthiest people in history. In the video script, his story is used to illustrate the wealth and power of the Mali Empire, which was a significant player in the Trans-sahara Slave Trade. His pilgrimage to Mecca with a vast entourage and gold is highlighted to show his immense wealth and the impact it had on the economies of the regions he visited.

💡Mali Empire

The Mali Empire was a powerful West African state that existed from the 13th to the 16th century. It is mentioned in the script as a key player in the Trans-sahara Slave Trade and as the empire where Mansa Musa ruled, expanding its territories through conquests. The Mali Empire's reach extended to modern-day Ghana, Guinea, Senegal, Mauritania, and Gambia, and it was known for its wealth in gold and its intellectual centers.

💡Timbuktu

Timbuktu is a city in present-day Mali that was a major center of learning and trade during the time of the Mali Empire. The script describes how Mansa Musa's pilgrimage made Timbuktu famous, leading to its recognition in European maps and attracting European explorers. It symbolizes the cultural and economic exchange between Africa and Europe.

💡European Explorers

European Explorers are mentioned in the script as those who, upon hearing of the wealth of Africa, particularly Timbuktu, embarked on voyages to discover and exploit these riches. Their journeys and the subsequent realization of Africa's wealth by Europeans are cited as precursors to the Transatlantic Slave Trade and colonization.

💡Colonization

Colonization refers to the process by which a nation expands its territory by establishing colonies in other regions. In the context of the script, it is the outcome of European interest in Africa's resources, following the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The script implies that the wealth and resources of Africa were a driving force behind European colonization efforts.

💡Harlem Shipwreck

The Harlem Shipwreck is not directly mentioned in the script, but it is a historical event that could be related to the Transatlantic Slave Trade. It refers to a ship that sank off the coast of New York, likely involved in the slave trade, symbolizing the tragic journey many enslaved Africans had to endure.

💡Arabian Scholars

Arabian Scholars are referenced in the script as being present in the universities within the Mali Empire. They contributed to the intellectual and cultural development of the empire and were part of the exchange of knowledge that took place along the trade routes of the Trans-sahara Slave Trade.

💡Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a theory in psychology that prioritizes certain needs as being fundamental for human survival and well-being. The script humorously suggests that the king before Mansa Musa had reached the fifth stage, which is self-actualization, and in his quest for more, he embarked on an expedition, leaving the kingdom to Mansa Musa.

Highlights

The trans-sahara slave trade was responsible for over 20 million Africans being taken across the Sahara to Egypt, Syria, and other parts of the Middle East.

The trans-sahara slave trade is the oldest type of slave trade documented in Africa, dating back to 1000 BCE.

Trade routes across the Sahara were established for goods like gold, salt, and textiles.

Arab merchants played a significant role in conducting business along these trade routes.

The need for cheaper manpower led to the enslavement of Africans for labor.

The trans-sahara slave trade was monopolized for hundreds of years, lasting until the 19th century.

The spread of Islam in West Africa facilitated communication and trade across the Sahara.

It is estimated that over 27 million Africans were traded across the Sahara, though the exact number is unknown.

The journey across the Sahara was treacherous, with slaves enduring harsh conditions such as scorching sun, cold nights, and sandstorms.

Dehydration was a leading cause of death for slaves crossing the Sahara.

Women often became sex slaves or concubines, while some men were trained as soldiers.

The Mali Empire, under Mansa Musa, was a powerful kingdom that had significant wealth and influence.

Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca with a large entourage and vast quantities of gold had a significant impact on the economy of the Mediterranean.

Mansa Musa's extravagant spending in Cairo reportedly led to a financial recession that lasted for a decade.

The Mali Empire's wealth and the trans-sahara trade attracted the attention of European explorers.

The realization of Africa's wealth by Europeans led to the transatlantic slave trade and later colonization.

The trans-sahara slave trade and the Mali Empire's prosperity are significant parts of African history that are often overlooked in favor of the transatlantic slave trade narrative.