Trade among the Sahara Desert was highly influenced by the prominent Western empires and the local people living along the trade routes.[1] In the 10th-15th centuries the major empires of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay influenced many of the trade practices.[2][1] These powerful empires would extend their hand of power over African trade by directing trade routes through the major cities and taxing the travelling merchants and their goods.[1] Through the power of the empires, many of the trade routes were secured and the merchant profession became a prosperous one.[1] When travelling, traders could travel individually or in groups, or they could attach themselves to an annual caravan.