The Swahili Coast, extending from Somalia to Mozambique, was home to around 30 trading cities that flourished from the 1200s to the 1400s. In the trading cities, products such as gold, ivory, iron, animals, silk, and porcelain were exchanged between the African interior and lands across the sea. These cities were initially established by Arab merchants, resulting in a great amount of lasting cultural influence-- Swahili peoples today (now spread throughout eastern African countries such as Kenya and Tanzania) still speak a common language (a mixture of Bantu and Arabic roots) and are greatly influenced by their Islamic heritage and religious traditions.
In contrast, Great Zimbabwe (a name meaning "city of stone"), located in southeastern Africa, …show more content…
Today, the Shona inhabit the modern-day nation of Zimbabwe, are governed by a kinship system, have hereditary leaders who oversee villages, and still continue to raise cattle and cultivate crops such as sorghum and maize.
The kingdom of Aksum "...was a powerful trading empire located in East Africa, which ruled from about 100 to 950 CE." (document, pg 1) It first arose as a result of traders establishing settlements along the Red Sea, which grew over time. "By 400 CE, Aksum was the most important trading center in the Red Sea region. Trade items included ivory, salt, ebony, tortoise shells, gold, emeralds, and animal skins. In return, traders from the east provided luxury items like spices, olive oil, glass, brass, iron, silk, and other textiles from Persia and China. Coins bearing the images of Aksum emperors were minted and spread throughout the region." (document, page 1) However, Aksum was truly unique for its religious history. One of its most powerful emperors, Ezana,
In contrast, Great Zimbabwe (a name meaning "city of stone"), located in southeastern Africa, …show more content…
Today, the Shona inhabit the modern-day nation of Zimbabwe, are governed by a kinship system, have hereditary leaders who oversee villages, and still continue to raise cattle and cultivate crops such as sorghum and maize.
The kingdom of Aksum "...was a powerful trading empire located in East Africa, which ruled from about 100 to 950 CE." (document, pg 1) It first arose as a result of traders establishing settlements along the Red Sea, which grew over time. "By 400 CE, Aksum was the most important trading center in the Red Sea region. Trade items included ivory, salt, ebony, tortoise shells, gold, emeralds, and animal skins. In return, traders from the east provided luxury items like spices, olive oil, glass, brass, iron, silk, and other textiles from Persia and China. Coins bearing the images of Aksum emperors were minted and spread throughout the region." (document, page 1) However, Aksum was truly unique for its religious history. One of its most powerful emperors, Ezana,