The Songhai Gold Trade Beyond Salt

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore Songhai's gold trade — the engine that powered the empire beyond the famous salt caravans. They trace the gold routes from the Boulé and Galam fields in the south, through the markets of Jenne and Timbuktu, to the northern termini of Sijilmasa and beyond. Lucas explains how the Askias, particularly Askia Muhammad, regulated the gold trade through state control and taxation, contrasting with Mali's more laissez-faire approach. They discuss the silent barter system used in gold-producing regions, the role of Wangara merchants, and the impact of Portuguese arrival on the West African coast. The episode also touches on the social and economic effects of gold wealth, including the rise of Timbuktu as a scholarly center funded by trade revenues. Listeners will learn about specific gold-producing sites, trade weights like the mithqal, and how Songhai's gold eventually reached European mints. A fresh angle that avoids repeating salt, salt mines, or Taghaza. #SonghaiGoldTrade #BouleGoldFields #GalamGold #WangaraMerchants #SilentBarter #AskiaMuhammad #Jenne #Timbuktu #Sijilmasa #Mithqal #PortugueseTrade #WestAfrica #MaliEmpire #TransSaharanTrade #GoldRoutes #History #FexingoHistory #AfricanHistory #SonghaiEmpire #SunniAli Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo