\paperw4260 \margr0\margl0 \plain \fs20 \f1 \fs24 \b \cf2 \ATXht10302 Caravans\b0 \cf0 \ATXht0 setting off from the deep south, whether their purpose was trade or pilgrimage, ha
d to cross the burning sands of the Sahara. These were ruled by the tribes of the Tuaregs, the ôblue men,ö independent of any outside authority and observing their own laws and rituals.\par
For the peoples of the desert borders did not exist. Limits wer
e imposed by the territorial dominance of the tribes, which could decide to extend or withhold their hospitality.\par
The story is still told today of the emperor of Mali, Mansa Moussa, who traveled to \b \cf1 \ATXht53 Mecca \b0 \cf0 \ATXht0 with a cara
van of a hundred camels loaded with gold, distributing it along his way in order to buy his passage through the desert.\par
