In the text you read, “By 1500, West Africa was well known for its trading kingdoms. Since ancient times, despite the dangers of the Sahara, trade routes crisscrossed West Africa. For many years, Berbers, a group of people from northern Africa, controlled these routes. In time, however, a series of three great trading empires arose thanks to the control of the salt and gold trades.”

Question

Question: Which of the following options best describes trade routes in West Africa by 1500?



Group of answer choices

By 1500, the trade routes were controlled by three empires due to the salt and gold trades.

Trade routes crisscrossed throughout but were dangerous because of the Sahara.

The Berbers controlled the trade routes in 1500.

The trade routes have stayed consistent since ancient times.

Answer 1

The option that best describes trade routes in West Africa by 1500 is:

By 1500, the trade routes were controlled by three empires due to the salt and gold trades.

This aligns with the information provided in the text, which indicates the emergence of three great trading empires that arose due to the control of the salt and gold trades.