Question

how was the early slave trade in west africa (the trans - saharan slave trade) different from that in east africa?
a. slaves from west africa were generally sold in european and asian countries, while slaves from east africa were generally sold in southern africa.
b. slaves from west africa were generally sold in african and european countries, while slaves from east africa were generally sold in persia and mesopotamia.
c. slaves from west africa were generally sold in asian and american countries, while slaves from east africa were generally sold in the middle east.
d. slaves from west africa were generally sold in african and american countries, while slaves from east africa were generally sold in hindu and buddhist lands.

Explanation:

The trans-Saharan slave trade centered on West African slaves being traded to North African states (part of Africa) and eventually European markets, while East African slaves were primarily traded across the Indian Ocean to regions like Persia and Mesopotamia (the Middle East/ Southwest Asia). Option A is incorrect because East African slaves were not sold mainly in southern Africa. Option C is wrong because West African slaves in the early trans-Saharan trade were not sold to the Americas, and Option D is incorrect as East African slaves were not primarily sold to Hindu and Buddhist lands, and West African slaves were not sent to the Americas in this early trade phase.

Answer:

B. Slaves from West Africa were generally sold in African and European countries, while slaves from East Africa were generally sold in Persia and Mesopotamia.