Describe a major factor in the longevity of the Swahili city-states' influence. (1 point)
• the trade network that connected the city-states to other powers in the Indian Ocean
• the wide variety of goods that they offered
• the weather along the coastal area allowing for an increase in farming
• 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. The city-states, located along the East African coast, were strategically positioned to engage in trade with diverse regions such as India, Arabia, Persia, and China. Through this extensive network, they were able to acquire goods, materials, and ideas from different parts of the world.
The Swahili city-states offered a wide variety of goods, including gold, ivory, spices, timber, and slaves, which were highly sought after in international markets. This diverse range of valuable commodities made the city-states important trading hubs and helped sustain their economic and political power over time.
Additionally, the favorable weather conditions along the coastal area played a role in the longevity of the Swahili city-states' influence. The region's tropical climate, with its consistent rainfall and moderate temperatures, supported agricultural activities such as farming and fishing. This enabled the city-states to produce surplus food and engage in commercial agriculture, further enhancing their economic stability.
While the number of cities along the coast was not necessarily overwhelming in comparison to their competitors, it did contribute to the longevity of the Swahili city-states' influence. The concentration of multiple city-states in close proximity created a cohesive network that facilitated trade, cultural exchange, and political alliances. This synergy among the city-states allowed them to collectively maintain their dominant position in the Indian Ocean trade routes for an extended period.
In summary, the trade network connecting the Swahili city-states to other powers, the variety of goods they offered, the favorable coastal weather for farming, and the presence of multiple cities along the coast all played significant roles in the longevity of their influence.
The major factor in the longevity of the Swahili city-states' influence was the trade network that connected the city-states to other powers in the Indian Ocean.
The 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 this, we need to examine the historical context of the Swahili city-states.
The Swahili city-states, located along the eastern coast of Africa, thrived from the 9th to the 16th century. During this time, they became prosperous trading hubs, with their influence stretching across the Indian Ocean.
To understand the significance of the trade network, we can answer the following questions:
1. How did the trade network benefit the Swahili city-states?
The trade network allowed the city-states to establish lucrative and extensive trade connections with various powers in the Indian Ocean. This led to substantial wealth and prosperity for the Swahili city-states. They were able to engage in long-distance trade and establish economic relationships with regional and international powers.
2. What role did the trade network play in sustaining the city-states' influence?
The trade network enabled the Swahili city-states to maintain their economic dominance and political influence for an extended period. By participating in trade, they acquired a range of valuable goods, including gold, ivory, spices, silks, and porcelain. This allowed the city-states to attract traders from diverse regions and maintain control over key commodities.
3. How did the trade network contribute to the growth and development of the city-states?
The trade network brought cultural exchange and innovation to the Swahili city-states. Merchants from all over the Indian Ocean region would visit the city-states, bringing with them new ideas, technologies, and cultural influences. This led to the flourishing of arts, architecture, and language in the Swahili city-states, contributing to their overall prosperity and longevity.
Overall, the trade network was a major factor in the longevity of the Swahili city-states' influence. It allowed them to establish and maintain prosperous economic relationships, attract merchants from diverse regions, and foster cultural exchange and innovation. Without the extensive trade network, the Swahili city-states would not have been able to sustain their influence and thrive as they did.