The Myth of Trans-Saharan Trade during the Roman Era

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Periodical article

Title:	The Myth of Trans-Saharan Trade during the Roman Era
Author:	Swanson, John T.
Year:	1975
Periodical:	International Journal of African Historical Studies
Volume:	8
Issue:	4
Pages:	582-600
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Sahara
Subjects:	road transport history History and Exploration Economics and Trade
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/216697
Abstract:	Many writers of African history describe trans-Saharan trade in Roman times as significant. They justify their conclusion with the following assumptions: 1) The prosperity of Roman - Africa must have been due at least in part to trans-Saharan trade. 2) An important demand in Roman Africa for West African products must have stimulated an attempt to satisfy it. 3) The Romans were in contact with desert peoples capable of serving as intermediaries across the Sahara, and had access to West African goods through them. The author examines each of these assumptions in detail and suggests that at present none can be demonstrated as valid. Sections: the sources of Roman Africa's prosperity (agricultural products, mineral resources, other natural resources, animals, slaves, industry) - potential products of the trans-Saharan trade (gold, slaves, ivory, ostrich feathers, hides) - Romans, Garamantes of the Fezzan, and trans-Saharan trade. Notes, map.