9. Transporation was vital in moving trade goods across the trans-Saharan Trade Routes. \( \square \) were used to carry salt across the DESERT.

Camels, often referred to as the "ships of the desert," were the primary mode of transportation for moving goods like salt across the harsh terrains of the Sahara. Their incredible ability to conserve water and endure long journeys made them indispensable to traders, enabling them to traverse vast distances in extreme conditions while carrying heavy loads. The trans-Saharan Trade Routes were not just critical for economic exchange; they also facilitated the sharing of culture, ideas, and technologies between different civilizations. This vibrant exchange contributed to the development of powerful kingdoms in North Africa, such as the Mali and Songhai Empires, which blossomed from the thriving trade networks established through these routes.