In the heart of the Middle Ages, Morocco was a golden gateway between the vast desert and the northern Mediterranean. Its wealth was not only in its fertile land and ancient cities, but in its pivotal role on major trade routes, where gold flowed from the depths of Africa and salt flowed north, forming a lifeline for economies and civilizations.
A road network connecting two continents
Huge caravans set off from southern cities such as Taghazaand Udagost, crossing the harsh desert for days and weeks, on their way to major Moroccan cities such as Suljamasaand Udagost, before continuing on to Fezand Marrakesh. These caravans, which included thousands of camels and traders, brought gold from the kingdoms of Ghanaand Mali, while salt, considered the "white gold of the desert," was transported to the peoples of the south who needed it to preserve food and protect health.
Gold: The secret to Morocco's prosperity
By the 11th century, the gold and salt routes had become the backbone of Morocco's economy. The city of Sijlmassa, on the edge of the Sahara, became a global center for trade, with sources estimating that a large percentage of the gold traded in the Islamic and European world passed through Morocco. It was this gold that enabled major states such as the Almoravidsand Almohads to build powerful armies, finance conquests in Andalusia, and build mosques and schools, giving Morocco exceptional political and economic weight.
Caravans: The myth of patience and profit
The caravan route was fraught with danger; between extreme thirst, sandstorms, and bandit raids. However, the returns were tempting enough to make the adventure worthwhile. Arab geographers such as al-Bakriand al-Idrisi described these caravans as "moving rivers" across the desert, carrying not only goods, but also culture and knowledge. Morocco imported ivory, ostrich feathers, and slaves from the south and exported fine fabrics, manufactured metals, and glass to the south.
A legacy that lives on today
Today, traces of those routes can still be seen in Morocco's culture, from its ancient souks teeming with diverse goods, to its deep ties with sub-Saharan Africa. Cities like Timbuktuand Gao are reminders of a time when the gold and salt routes were bridges of unity and prosperity between peoples and continents.
