Latest / Timbuktu: Africa's Forgotten Center of Knowledge — Fexingo History
The Timbuktu Salt Caravan That Fueled a Scholarly Empire
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the salt trade that was the economic backbone of Timbuktu's golden age. They trace the caravans from the mines of Taghaza and Taoudenni across the Sahara to the markets of Timbuktu and Djenné, where salt was traded for gold, slaves, and grain. The conversation covers the harsh realities of the salt mines, the organization of the caravans, the role of the Tuareg and Wangara merchants, and how the wealth generated by salt funded the libraries and scholars of Sankore. They discuss the environmental challenges, the politics of trade routes, and the…
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