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
The unique factor that allowed both the Axum Empire and the Swahili city-states to rise and thrive as trade empires was A. Their geographic locations. Both regions were strategically located along major trade routes, which enabled them to establish extensive trade networks and engage in lucrative trade with various regions.
In the case of the Axum Empire, its location in the Horn of Africa placed it along the Red Sea trade routes, connecting it to the Mediterranean world and facilitating trade with Egypt, Arabia, and the Roman Empire. This advantageous geographic position allowed Axum to flourish as a trading power, benefiting from the exchange of goods and ideas.
Similarly, the Swahili city-states, located along the eastern coast of Africa, had access to the Indian Ocean trade routes. This enabled them to engage in trade with India, Arabia, Persia, and other parts of East Africa. The Swahili city-states controlled the trade of valuable commodities such as gold, ivory, spices, and slaves, which contributed to their economic prosperity and cultural exchange.
While the abundance of goods to trade (B), military might (C), and lack of languages in the region (D) might have played some role, it was the geographic location (A) that was the primary unique factor in allowing both the Axum Empire and the Swahili city-states to rise and thrive as trade empires.
The correct answer is A. Their geographic locations.
To arrive at this answer, we need to consider the historical context and reasoning behind the rise and prosperity of both the Axum Empire and the Swahili city-states. Here's how we can break it down:
1. Axum Empire: The Axum Empire, located in modern-day Ethiopia, flourished between the 1st and 8th centuries CE. One of the key reasons for its success as a trade empire was its strategic geographic location. Positioned between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, Axum served as a vital link between the Mediterranean world and the maritime trade routes of the Indian Ocean. This location made it an ideal center for both land and maritime trade, allowing the empire to engage in extensive economic activities and accumulate significant wealth.
2. Swahili City-States: The Swahili city-states, found along the eastern coast of Africa from the 9th to the 15th centuries CE, were another prominent trade empire. One of the primary factors contributing to their rise and prosperity was also their strategic geographic position. Situated along the East African coast, these city-states served as intermediaries between the African interior and the Indian Ocean trade network. Being located on the Indian Ocean coastline, they had access to maritime trade routes and could facilitate the exchange of goods between African, Arab, Persian, Indian, and Chinese merchants.
Therefore, the geographic locations of both the Axum Empire and the Swahili city-states played a crucial role in their rise and the ability to thrive as trade empires.