The Influence of the Sahara Desert on Historical Migration Patterns in Africa

How has the desert landscape of the Sahara influenced historical migration patterns in Africa?

What role does the Sahara Desert play in historical migration patterns in Africa?

The desert landscape of the Sahara influenced historical migration patterns in Africa as c. The Sahara Desert has served as a barrier to travel and migration.

The Sahara Desert can be found in the north along the Tropic of Cancer, while the Namib Desert can be found in the south along the Tropic of Capricorn. The Sahara, which covers a significant portion of northern Africa, serves as a formidable barrier that separates the Muslim, Arab North of the continent from the traditional African cultural groups in the South.

In a separate chapter, the cultures and political histories of North Africa and Southwest Asia are discussed together. The landmass known as Pangaea, the last supercontinent, marks the beginning of Africa's physical geography 300 million years ago. Pangaea broke up around 175 million years ago, drifting and colliding to form the continents we know today. The center of this supercontinent was Africa.

The Sahara Desert has historically presented challenges to travelers and migrants due to its harsh conditions and vast expanse of arid land. As a result, it has acted as a natural barrier, influencing migration patterns within the continent.