Timbuktu is located in central Mali near the Niger River and connected to it by canals. It was an important meeting place and trading center in the 12th century for nomadic Saharan people due to its salt trade, handicraft industries, and position at the end of the trans-Saharan caravan route. By the 14th century, it had become famous for its gold trade and was a great Muslim educational center with over 100 Quranic schools as part of the Mali empire.

1. Timbuktu Brianna B, Savannah L, Bryanna F.

2. Located in central Mali, near the Niger River. Connected with the Niger by a series of canals. Its salt trade and handicraft industries make it an important meeting place for the nomadic people of the Sahara. By the 14th century, when it was part of the Mali empire, it had become famous for its gold trade. The city was a great Muslim educational center, with more than 100 Quranic schools.

4. Trade In the 12th century, this city became a popular trading center for many African countries because of its great position at the end of the trans-Saharan caravan route and near the Niger River.