requires travel across the Sahara to reach sub-Saharan Africa from the North African coast, Europe, or the Levant. While existing from prehistoric times, the peak of trade extended from the 8th century until the late 16th century. The Sahara once had a very different environment. In Libya and Algeria, from at least 7000 BC, there was pastoralism, herding of sheep and goats, large settlements and pottery. Cattle were introduced to the Central Sahara (Ahaggar) from 4000 to 3500 BC.
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