Sahara

Some of the key events about Sahara

• 100 CE

  Trans-Saharan trade routes became well-established, facilitating the exchange of goods and cultures across the desert
• 500 BCE

  The Garamantes civilization flourished in the central Sahara, developing sophisticated irrigation systems
• 700 CE

  The spread of Islam across North Africa led to the establishment of important centers of learning in Saharan cities
• 1000 CE

  The Kingdom of Ghana rose to prominence, controlling much of the trans-Saharan gold trade
• 1325 CE

  Mansa Musa's famous pilgrimage to Mecca brought global attention to the wealth of the Saharan kingdoms
• 1900

  French colonization of much of the Sahara region commenced, leading to exploitation of resources
• 1920

  Severe drought struck the Sahel region, causing widespread famine and displacement
• 1950

  Oil exploration began in the Sahara, leading to significant economic developments in the region
• 1960s

  Overgrazing and poor land management practices accelerated desertification in the Sahel
• 1968

  A major drought began, lasting until 1974 and causing an estimated 100,000 deaths in the Sahel
• 1980

  The Great Man-Made River project was initiated in Libya to transport water from aquifers beneath the Sahara
• 1980s

  Desertification intensified, with the Sahara expanding southward at an alarming rate
• 1984

  Another severe drought hit the region, leading to widespread famine and international aid efforts
• 1990s

  Terrorist groups began using the vast, ungoverned spaces of the Sahara as hideouts and training grounds
• 2003

  Kidnappings of tourists and aid workers in the Sahara became more frequent, damaging the region's economy
• 2009

  The Desertec project was proposed, aiming to harness solar energy from the Sahara for sustainable power generation
• 2012

  Political instability and conflict in Mali spilled over into other parts of the Sahara, exacerbating regional insecurity
• 3000 BCE

  The ancient Egyptians established trade routes across the Sahara, connecting North Africa with sub-Saharan regions
• 8000 BCE

  Rock art depicting diverse wildlife and human activities emerged in the Sahara, indicating a more hospitable climate
• 8000 BCE

  Desertification began, transforming the once lush savanna into an arid landscape

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