Commerce- Timbuktu was very wealthy state due to large amounts of trade. Trade with Timbuktu was imperative to the growth of sub-Sahara Africa and development of its society. One of their main products was the production of gold. Gold was very profitable back then and still is today they used it for most things and traded it across the country. Other products are salt so they can move meat across the desert without getting rotten and keep it eatable. There was also Ivory, meat and slaves which helped with the economy.
Culture and Society- Timbuktu was founded by nomads and became a trading depot for caravans in the sub-Sahara. It was a rich cultural center spread through the world. The culture was based off of specific roles and kinships. Women were responsible for cleaning, cooking and taking care for the offspring. It was a common meeting place for traders and travelers due to the location that floods cannot effect tem. A major part of Timbuktu's culture revolved around educations and sophistication. Merchants and nearby emperors were impressed by the amount of gold that was in the lands of Timbuktu.
Location on the post-classical trade networks- Because of its distinct location and position it flourished with its ability to trade and become a center of trade for merchants. It was located near the coast so it could trade with just about any state its use of water so it could go overseas.
Religious Influences- Because of so much trade going around in Timbuktu there was religions being passed on from merchants. One of the most common ones and later became the permanent religion was Islam. Timbuktu was later a center for Islamic learning that was recognized throughout the region. It built 3 universities and many quaranic schools which attracted more scholars. Later they became a muslium based society.
Reason for Growth- Timbuktu played a great role in the sub-Saharan trade routes which caused the region to achieve wealth. With the large numbers of merchants and exchange occurring Timbuktu grew to be a wealthy state causing the population to increase and expand rapidly. Also because many scholars wanted to go to Timbuktu to get an education for the universities.
Innovations- There was lots of improvement with travel and trade after Timbuktu became a wealthy state. Its trading became a faster process with the trading of gold. Travel was easier because they could get better boats and supplies. Most of the innovation became easier when they got to be a wealthy state.
Bibliographical Citations-
http://africanhistory.about.com/od/kingdoms/ss/SaharaTradeRoutes.htm
https://sites.google.com/site/ancienttimbuktuproject/timbuktu-reason-for-growth
https://sites.google.com/site/ancienttimbuktuproject/culture
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timbuktu
http://geography.about.com/cs/worldfacts/a/timbuktu.htm
http://africanhistory.about.com/od/kingdoms/ss/SaharaTradeRoutes.htm
https://sites.google.com/site/ancienttimbuktuproject/timbuktu-reason-for-growth
https://sites.google.com/site/ancienttimbuktuproject/culture
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timbuktu
http://geography.about.com/cs/worldfacts/a/timbuktu.htm