Which coastal city of Africa was an important trade center?
Timbuktu, French Tombouctou, city in the western African country of Mali, historically important as a trading post on the trans-Saharan caravan route and as a centre of Islamic culture (c. 1400–1600). It is located on the southern edge of the Sahara, about 8 miles (13 km) north of the Niger River.
What was the major trade center in East Africa?
Kilwa
As trade intensified between Africa and Asia, prosperous city-states flourished along the eastern coast of Africa. These included Kilwa, Sofala, Mombasa, Malindi, and others. The city-states traded with inland kingdoms like Great Zimbabwe to obtain gold, ivory, and iron.
What name is given to trade cities on the eastern coast of Africa?
The remnants of a palace and a great mosque, built partly of coral stone, are reminders of the time when the gold trade of east Africa flowed through this tiny island. During its medieval heyday, Kilwa was the principal port in a string of coastal trading cities that formed along what became known as the Swahili Coast.
What impact did the East African city states have on trade and on the world?
They improved the process and produced iron objects for trade as well as local use. Archaeology studies provide evidence that the city states carried on a flourishing long distance trade with Persia, India, and China. Coins from these states have been found in each of the African city states.
Why was trade so important on the east coast of Africa?
On the East Coast of Africa, international trade became so important that some cities were absolutely defined by it. A trading city is a city with an economy that is almost entirely dependent on export and international trade.
Are there any cities on the east coast of Africa?
Chris has a master’s degree in history and teaches at the University of Northern Colorado. In this lesson, you will explore the rich history of the trading cities that dominated the East Coast of Africa and controlled vast international markets. Then, test your understanding with a brief quiz.
Where was the first trading city in Africa?
Since the rise of major civilizations in Africa, international trade was part of life. Egypt traded with powers across the region, and the Kingdom of Kush became tremendously powerful and wealthy from trade. The first power to really become a trading city was the Kingdom of Axum, in modern-day Ethiopia.
When did East Africa become an Islamic Center?
From approximately 1000 to 1500 AD, a number of city-states on the eastern coast of Africa participated in an international trade network and became cosmopolitan Islamic cultural centers.