Describe a major factor in the longevity of the Swahili city-states' influence. (1 point,
• the wide variety of goods that they offered
• the trade network that connected the city-states to other powers in the Indian Ocean
• the weather along the coastal area allowing for an increase in farming
O the number of cities along the coast overwhelming any competitors
The trade network that connected the Swahili city-states to other powers in the Indian Ocean was a major factor in the longevity of their influence. This network allowed for a steady flow of goods and resources, facilitating economic growth and cultural exchange. By being strategically located along the East African coast, the Swahili city-states were able to establish strong trade connections with diverse regions such as India, Persia, China, and other African coastal regions. This allowed them to trade a wide variety of goods, such as gold, ivory, slaves, spices, and timber. The integration into the larger Indian Ocean trade network not only brought wealth and power to these city-states but also contributed to their cultural vibrancy and influence. Hence, the trade network played a crucial role in sustaining the long-lasting influence of the Swahili city-states.
The trade network that connected the Swahili city-states to other powers in the Indian Ocean is a major factor in the longevity of their influence. This trade network allowed for the exchange of goods and ideas between the Swahili city-states and other regions, contributing to their economic prosperity and cultural development. The interconnectedness of the trade network also provided the city-states with access to a wide variety of goods, enhancing their allure and desirability as trading partners. In addition, the trade network brought wealth and foreign influence to the city-states, which further bolstered their power and influence in the region.
A major factor in the longevity of the Swahili city-states' influence is the trade network that connected them to other powers in the Indian Ocean. To understand why this is a major factor, we need to consider the importance of trade in general.
Trade enables the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural practices, fostering economic growth and societal development. The Swahili city-states were strategically located along the East African coast, which allowed them to access and participate in a vast network of trade routes that connected Africa, Arabia, India, and even as far as China.
The Indian Ocean trade network played a crucial role in sustaining the influence of the Swahili city-states for several reasons:
1. Economic prosperity: The trade routes passing through the Indian Ocean were teeming with valuable goods such as gold, ivory, spices, and precious stones. The Swahili city-states capitalized on this opportunity by offering a wide variety of goods that attracted merchants and traders from distant lands. This economic prosperity helped to sustain their influence by providing resources and wealth to reinforce their political power.
2. Cultural exchange: Through trade, the Swahili city-states were exposed to various cultures, languages, religions, and technologies from different regions. This led to the development of a unique Swahili culture that synthesized elements from Africa, Arabia, Persia, and India. The fusion of different cultural influences not only enriched the city-states' own traditions but also made them a vibrant and desirable destination for merchants and travelers. This cultural exchange further enhanced the city-states' economic and political relationships with other powers in the Indian Ocean.
3. Diplomatic and political significance: The Swahili city-states' involvement in trade brought them into contact with powerful empires and kingdoms like the Abbasids, the Fatimids, the Persians, and the Chinese. Establishing diplomatic and political ties with these entities allowed the city-states to gain access to protection, alliances, and sometimes even political autonomy. Through their trade connections, the Swahili city-states were able to navigate complex power dynamics and maintain their influence despite the presence of competitors.
While the wide variety of goods, favorable weather for farming, and the number of cities along the coast were also contributing factors to the Swahili city-states' longevity, it was ultimately the trade network that connected them to other powers in the Indian Ocean that played a central role in sustaining their influence.