The African Trading States Bell Ringer: Geographically speaking, why does it make so much sense that most of Africa’s trade took place in the east and west rather than the central?

East Africa and Great Zimbabwe

Trade Trade was powered by monsoon winds, and demand for gold, ivory, hides, tortoise shells, weapons, porcelain, and slaves. Trade began in 700 AD and lasted through the 1300’s.

Trade Attraction Spread of Islam helped encourage the trade. Lure of money attracted families and adventurers to Africa. Groups of Muslim settlers from Arabia and Persia settled the coast. Combined elements of African, Asian, and Islamic cultures in a trade based society.

Swahili States Over several generations a unique African culture developed in East Africa: Known as Swahili. Developed a language, but Swahili was not a single ethnic group. They were bound by trade.

Trading States Earliest trade states were along the Indian Ocean. Ports were Mogadishu, Pate, Mombasa. Trade eventually shifted from the north to the south. By 1200 Kilwa was the lead port. Kilwa allowed the east coast to flourish, wealthy, beautiful, trade center and city.

Great Zimbabwe Gold shipped along the Zambezi River, goods moved from inland to the coast for shipment. As demand for gold grew, so did city state competition for mining and shipment. The people who gained this control were the Shona.

Shona Wealthy and powerful people. Built fortified enclosures, the Greatest was Great Zimbabwe, became the center of the Shona city state. 60 acres, mazelike passageways, towers, walls, tunnels. Stones cut so precisely that no mortar was used. Great Zimbabwe declined in the 1400’s. Possible reasons: Population boom, dwindling supplies of food and water.

Homework Answer the reading check on page192 Define Terms Swahili and Shona Do the Skills Assessment: Places and Regions on page 192. Due tomorrow!