Describe how trans saharan trade routes flourished during this time period and promoted the growth of powerful new trading cities

Trans Saharan trade route was conducted throughout a vast region between mediterranean countries and sub-saharan Africa. It was an important trading route commencing from 8th century to late 16th century. The establishment of trade interconnected the European to African empires of Ghana, Mali and Songhai, however traveling across the Sahara is difficult; transportation depended on camels. The Golden age of Trans-Saharan trade ended with the collapse of Songhai empire after the Moroccan attack in 1591. Neverthless, the trade continued, until the railroads gave it the final death blow in the beginning of our century.