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.

The trade routes have stayed consistent since ancient times.

The Berbers controlled the trade routes in 1500.

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

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 choice captures the essence of the text, which indicates that the control of trade routes shifted to three great trading empires because of their involvement in the salt and gold trades.