History of Africa · The History of Africa Podcast
Season 5 Episode 3: Trans-Saharan Trade in the Garamantes Civilization
·21 min·2 clips
The Sahara wasn't an impenetrable barrier—trans-Saharan trade was remarkably common, not exceptional.
As heard by us
A measured correction to the Sahara-as-barrier story, built around trade, movement, and cautious ancient evidence.
The Garamantes come through here as a useful correction to the familiar Sahara-as-barrier story. The review follows the shift from nomadic herding toward settled agriculture, then shows how irrigation in Wadi al-Ajjel supported growing settlements while pastoral groups still…
Why you'd press play
You can hear the Sahara become less of a wall as Garamantian cities, herders, and early merchants come into view.
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