This map shows that strong trading ties existed between northern and central Africa. It also seems to indicate a great deal of cultural exchange between Muslim and African societies as a result of trade. Documents of this nature are generally neutral (no apparent bias), but this map tends to support other documents that indicate a strong Muslim cultural influence on African societies.
DOCUMENT 4
Most charts and maps present patterns or connections of some type. They very seldom reflect a point of view unless they exaggerate physical sizes or some other aspect. Note how this map shows a pattern of extensive contacts between northern Africa (which was predominantly Muslim during this period) and sub-Saharan Africa.