Describe a major factor in the longevity of the Swahili city-states’ influence.(1 point)
Responses
the weather along the coastal area allowing for an increase in farming
the weather along the coastal area allowing for an increase in farming
the trade network that connected the city-states to other powers in the Indian Ocean
the trade network that connected the city-states to other powers in the Indian Ocean
the wide variety of goods that they offered
the wide variety of goods that they offered
the number of cities along the coast overwhelming any competitors
the number of cities along the coast overwhelming any competitors
Periods of drought led to declines in food production and increased migration of people seeking better conditions.
Timbuktu was a center for learning similar to the institutions that preceded universities in Europe.
Which statement best describes how physical geography contributed to the decline of West African empires?(1 point)
Responses
Landslides and flooding destroyed villages, causing the population to use violence to gain food.
Landslides and flooding destroyed villages, causing the population to use violence to gain food.
Hurricanes forced many to migrate east toward central Africa, which reduced the size of the armies.
Hurricanes forced many to migrate east toward central Africa, which reduced the size of the armies.
Salt was overmined, leading to shortages and protests by miners who demanded more gold for their work.
Salt was overmined, leading to shortages and protests by miners who demanded more gold for their work.
Periods of drought led to declines in food production and increased migration of people seeking better conditions.
Explain the significance of Timbuktu in West Africa.(1 point)
Responses
Timbuktu was a center for learning similar to the institutions that preceded universities in Europe.
Timbuktu was a center for learning similar to the institutions that preceded universities in Europe.
Timbuktu was the capital of the Nok culture.
Timbuktu was the capital of the Nok culture.
Timbuktu was the origin point of iron-smelting in West Africa.
Timbuktu was the origin point of iron-smelting in West Africa.
Timbuktu was a popular tourist destination.
The major factor in the longevity of the Swahili city-states' influence was the trade network that connected them to other powers in the Indian Ocean. This trade network allowed for a constant flow of goods, ideas, and cultural exchange, which contributed to the economic and political stability of the city-states. Additionally, the Swahili city-states offered a wide variety of goods, making them attractive trading partners. This combined with the favorable weather conditions along the coastal area allowed for an increase in farming, further contributing to their longevity. The presence of multiple cities along the coast also helped to overwhelm any competitors, solidifying the dominance of the Swahili city-states in the region.
A major factor in the longevity of the Swahili city-states’ influence was the trade network that connected them to other powers in the Indian Ocean. To understand why this was a major factor, it is important to recognize the significance of the trade network.
To find this answer, you could start by researching the Swahili city-states and their influence. Look for information on their trade activities and connections during their time of prominence. This might lead you to historical accounts, academic articles, or books on the subject. Analyze the trade routes and networks they established and the impact of these connections on their longevity.
The Swahili city-states were strategically located along the East African coastline, which made them central to the Indian Ocean trade routes. They acted as intermediaries between the African interior, the Arabian Peninsula, and Indian merchants. This trade network allowed them to exchange a wide variety of goods such as gold, ivory, spices, textiles, and slaves. These valuable commodities attracted a steady flow of trade and wealth, which contributed to the prosperity and influence of the city-states.
Furthermore, the trade network also brought cultural and technological influences from different parts of the Indian Ocean world. This exchange of ideas, technology, and knowledge enhanced the city-states' economic and political power. It allowed them to develop advanced maritime skills, such as shipbuilding and navigation, which further expanded their trading reach.
The Swahili city-states' involvement in long-distance trade and their position as key players in the Indian Ocean trade network played a crucial role in their longevity. This trade network provided them with economic stability, material wealth, and access to a wide range of goods that were in demand. It also enabled them to maintain political alliances and consolidate their power, which contributed to their prolonged influence along the East African coastline.