How was islam able to cross the sahara desert in the eighth century?

at the time, the sahara desert was smaller and less harsh than it is today.

african slaves escaping from their arab owners brought islam home with them.

a muslim army went south to conquer african kingdoms in ghana and sudan.

muslim merchants from north africa followed trading routes through the sahara desert

“[the city’s engineers excelled in areas] neglected by the greeks, such as the construction of roads and aqueducts, and of sewers that could wash the filth of the city into the tiber. they have built paved roads throughout the country, leveling ridges and filling up hollows, so as to make possible the movements of heavily loaded wagons. . and such is the quantity of water brought in by the aqueducts, that veritable rivers flow through the city and its sewers: almost every house has cisterns, waterpipes, and copious fountains.” —strabo, as quoted in empires ascendant: time frame 400 b.c.–a.d. 200 cisterns are tanks that hold water until it is needed; if a house has a cistern, it is likely to also have a. aqueducts. c. a swimming pool. b. a fish pond. d. sinks and faucets.