How did hausa come to dominate the saharan trade routes under aminas rule?

It's important to clarify that the Hausa didn't dominate the Saharan trade routes *under Amina's rule*. While Amina was a powerful and influential queen of the Hausa city-state of Zazzau (Zaria), her reign was primarily focused on expanding and securing the Hausa's territory within the region, rather than directly controlling the trans-Saharan trade.

Here's a breakdown of the Hausa's influence on the Saharan trade routes, and the role of Amina:

Hausa's Role in the Trans-Saharan Trade:

* Geographic Location: The Hausa states, situated south of the Sahara, were strategically positioned to control access to the valuable goods of the savanna and forest regions - gold, slaves, kola nuts, leather, and other products.

* Trade Network: They established a complex system of trade with the North African traders, transporting goods across the Sahara via camel caravans.

* Trade Centers: Cities like Kano, Katsina, and Zaria became major trade hubs, attracting merchants from across North Africa and the Middle East.

* Political Stability: The Hausa states, relatively stable and organized, provided a safe passage for caravans, which further attracted traders.

Amina's Contributions:

* Military Expansion: Amina, known for her military prowess, conquered several neighboring kingdoms and expanded the territory of Zazzau, strengthening their position in the region. This indirectly contributed to the safety and security of the trade routes.

* Trade Policies: Amina likely fostered trade within her kingdom, but specific details on her trade policies are scarce.

Other Factors in Hausa Domination:

* Trade Innovations: The Hausa developed advanced techniques for horse breeding, camel handling, and caravan organization, making their trade network more efficient.

* Economic Power: The Hausa states amassed considerable wealth from trade, enabling them to invest in infrastructure and security, further enhancing their dominance.

* Cultural Exchange: Interaction with traders from North Africa and the Middle East led to cultural and religious influences on the Hausa, which contributed to their growing influence.

Important Note: While the Hausa states were influential players in the Trans-Saharan trade, they didn't completely "dominate" it. The trade routes remained complex and competitive, with various groups and powers vying for control.

In conclusion, Amina's military achievements and the Hausa's strategic location, strong economy, and trade expertise collectively contributed to their growing influence in the Saharan trade routes. However, Amina's reign didn't directly lead to Hausa domination of the routes, as this was a gradual process fueled by various factors over centuries.