What unique Factor allowed both the axum empire and the Swahili city-states to rise and thrive as trade empires.
A. Their geographic locations
B. The abundance of goods to trade
C. Their military might
D the lack of languages in the region
A. Their geographic locations
A. Their geographic locations.
Both the Axum Empire and the Swahili city-states were located in strategic areas that facilitated trade. Axum was situated in the horn of Africa, along key trade routes between the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean. This allowed them to benefit from trade between the Red Sea and the Arabian Peninsula.
Similarly, the Swahili city-states were located along the East African coast, providing access to both land and sea trade routes. They became important centers for trade between the African interior, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Indian subcontinent. The proximity to the Indian Ocean also allowed them to engage in long-distance maritime trade.
In both cases, the geographic locations of these empires allowed them to connect different regions and benefit from lucrative trade networks, contributing to their rise and prosperity as trade empires.
To determine the unique factor that allowed both the Axum Empire and the Swahili city-states to rise and thrive as trade empires, we can analyze each option:
A. Geographic locations: Both the Axum Empire and the Swahili city-states were strategically located, which facilitated their rise as trade empires. Axum, situated in present-day Ethiopia, was ideally positioned along the Red Sea, connecting trade routes between Africa, Arabia, and the Roman Empire. The Swahili city-states, located along the East African coast, had access to the Indian Ocean trade network, linking them with merchants from India, China, and the Persian Gulf. So, while the geographic location was important for both, it is not a unique factor since the location was different for each empire.
B. Abundance of goods to trade: While the availability of goods to trade played a significant role in the success of trade empires, it was not a unique factor for either the Axum Empire or the Swahili city-states. Many regions had valuable commodities to trade, such as gold, ivory, spices, and slaves. Therefore, this option alone does not explain their unique rise and thriving as trade empires.
C. Military might: Military strength can certainly contribute to a trading empire's success, as it can protect trade routes and fend off potential rivals. However, it is not a unique factor for the Axum Empire or the Swahili city-states. Other empires and city-states throughout history also relied on military power for trade purposes.
D. Lack of languages in the region: The unique factor that allowed both the Axum Empire and the Swahili city-states to rise and thrive as trade empires was the lack of languages in the region. This option is incorrect because the region was linguistically diverse, with various languages spoken within and around both empires. It was through the interaction and adaptation of different languages that trade networks were established and sustained.
In conclusion, the unique factor that allowed both the Axum Empire and the Swahili city-states to rise and thrive as trade empires was their strategic geographic locations, which provided them with access to significant trade routes and networks.
Which of the civilizations traded with India during the 1400s
A. United States
B. Axum empire
C. Britain
D. Swahili Coast