Which option best describes the role of the Sahara in the history of empires in western Africa from the seventh century CE to the sixteenth century CE? (1 point)

Question

-The Sahara was a natural barrier that provided consistent protection from outside invasion for the empires of western Africa.
-The Sahara prevented the influence of Islam in western Africa, even though the religion became influential in northern Africa.
-The Sahara did not have a tremendous influence on the empires of western Africa, since it was barren and uninhabited
-The Sahara was an important source of natural resources, and facilitated cultural influence through trade systems.

Answer 1

-The Sahara was an important source of natural resources, and facilitated cultural influence through trade systems.