1. Muslim Trade Routes

2. Activator
How does a culture bloom in the desert?

4. Prosperity in the Islamic World
The Arab Empire was prosperous.
Extensive trade within:
the Islamic world
China
Byzantine Empire
India
Southeast Asia.
Trade occurred by ship and camel caravans which traveled from Morocco in the far west to the countries beyond the Caspian Sea.

5. Caravans
Much of the trade across the desert was carried by the Berbers, nomadic peoples whose camel caravans became known as the “fleets of the desert”
Camels were a crucial factor in trade across the Sahara
In a typical caravan trek, as many as 100 camels would be loaded with goods and supplies
Accompanied by guards, the caravan moved at about three miles per hour
By the 8th and 9th century, much of the trade was carried by Muslim merchants. They bought the trade from local traders. Then sold them to the Berbers who carried them across the desert.

6. Trade Flourished… From… Goods Received
South of the Sahara Gold & Slaves
China Silk & Porcelain
Eastern Africa Gold & Ivory
Southeast Asia & India Sandalwood & Egypt Spices
Iraq Grain
Western India Textile Goods Linens, Dates, & Precious Stones

7. The Bazaar Covered market
An important part of every Muslim city or town
Goods were available from every Muslim city or town

9. Activity: Muslim Trade Route Maps
Directions:
1. Label the Arabian Peninsula, India, China, Europe and Africa.
2. Draw the Muslim trade routes to India, China, Europe and Africa.
3. Along the trade route you draw, write the goods traded along that route (or create a legend/key to demonstrate the goods that were traded)

10. Summarizer
What types of goods did the Muslims trade?