From 900 to 1450, the Sub-Saharan region succeeded in acquiring achievements because of the Indian Ocean Slave Trade and all its impact on the region. Slaves were being traded between East Africa and the Middle East. During the time, they started to adopt different things from each other such as music, religion, and art. The cultures slowly started to spread around the Sub-Saharan region, which caused new kingdoms and empires to develop over time. As those kingdoms started to develop and make new achievements, they started to gain more power and a greater following. In the time period of 1200 to 1450, Sub-Saharan kingdoms developed in different ways and gained different achievements. That was possible because of technology advancements, great rulers, and grand structures.