I spent a lot of time zooming in and out looking at so many parts of this intricate map! I found myself continually returning to the depictions of people and wondering who they were and why they were there. Some of my questions were answered after reading the text. I was particularly fascinated about the depiction of trade routes and am still unsure if depicting such routes was helpful or harmful and to whom?
Trade routes through the Sahara (with stops at key oases) were essential to the economies at the time. The great African empires of Ghana, Mali, Songhai in West Africa (from the year 500-1500 approximately) thrived on this trade because they controlled the gold. Mansa Musa (the king depicted in the middle holding the gold nugget) is emblematic of these powerful riches.