World History › Section O · Asian and African trade worlds › Topic O.6
The Swahili Coast
For centuries a string of Muslim African port towns stretched along the east coast of Africa, linking the gold and ivory of the interior to Arabia, India and China. This topic follows these city-states at their height, the Portuguese attempt to control them, and the Omani power that replaced Portugal.
In this topic
- Towns between land and ocean
- Stone towns and their people
- Worked example: the Shirazi legend
- What the coast traded
- Kilwa's golden age
- Slavery on the coast
- The Portuguese arrive
- Worked example: why Portugal never controlled the coast
- Ottomans, Oman and Fort Jesus
- Zanzibar under Oman
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Key takeaways
This topic is part of Wuanberri Pro. Checking your access…