Advanced Placement (AP) World History Practice Exam 2025 - Free AP World History Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer is rooted in the historical context of trade during the period when Islamic civilization flourished, particularly during the Middle Ages. Muslim merchants benefited from the geographic and cultural positioning of the Islamic world, which served as a bridge between Europe and East Asia. The Islamic Empire encompassed regions that included major trade routes such as the Silk Road and the trans-Saharan trade routes, creating vast opportunities for commerce.

This central location allowed Muslim merchants to facilitate trade not just within their territories but also between distant markets. They could act as intermediaries, exchanging goods, ideas, and technologies across continents. This connectivity was essential for the flow of luxury commodities such as spices, silk, and precious metals, which were highly sought after in both European and East Asian markets.

Other options do not accurately capture the unique advantages that Muslim merchants had. The use of camels was not exclusive to Muslim merchants, as other groups also utilized them in desert trade. The assertion that Islam's belief system provided a competitive edge is vague and does not directly pertain to the mechanics of trade. Similarly, while navigation skills were certainly advanced in the Muslim world, they were not necessarily superior to those of East Asian and European merchants across the board. The geographical advantage and the established network of