Here's why this nickname was so common:
* Salt was highly valuable: Salt was a vital commodity in North Africa, used for preserving food, seasoning, and even as a form of currency.
* The Sahara Desert: The Sahara Desert is a major geographical feature in North Africa, and the Berber caravans traversed this harsh landscape to access salt deposits in the south.
* Economic importance: The salt trade played a significant role in the economies of North African societies, connecting communities and driving economic growth.
So, while the caravans transported other goods, they were often called "caravans of salt" due to the importance of salt in their trade.