identify which factor supported both axum and the swahili city-states in trading with other nations.
Both Axum and the Swahili city-states were supported by geographical factors that facilitated their trading activities with other nations.
1. Strategic Location: Both Axum and the Swahili city-states were situated in advantageous locations for trade. Axum, located in present-day Ethiopia, was positioned at the intersection of major trade routes connecting the Red Sea with the interior of Africa. This allowed Axum to act as a crossroads for trade between Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean. Similarly, the Swahili city-states, situated along the East African coast, had easy access to both land and maritime trade routes, making them well-positioned for trade with both the Indian Ocean trading network and the interior of Africa.
2. Access to Ports: Both Axum and the Swahili city-states had access to natural harbors and ports, making it easier for them to engage in maritime trade. Axum had the port of Adulis on the Red Sea, which allowed the kingdom to establish direct trade links with Egypt, Arabia, and the Roman Empire. The individual Swahili city-states, such as Kilwa, Sofala, and Mombasa, had their own ports and harbors that provided convenient access to the Indian Ocean trade routes.
3. Natural Resources: Both Axum and the Swahili city-states had access to valuable natural resources that were in demand in the international trade market. Axum benefited from its fertile lands for agriculture, which allowed it to produce goods like ivory, gold, myrrh, and frankincense. The Swahili city-states had access to resources like gold, ivory, spices, and animal products, which were highly sought after in the Indian Ocean trade network.
4. Maritime Knowledge: Both Axum and the Swahili city-states possessed maritime knowledge and seafaring skills that enabled them to engage in long-distance trade. Axum's sailors were skilled in navigating the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, allowing them to trade with various regions. The Swahili people had a long history of engaged in maritime trade, and their expertise in shipbuilding, navigation, and trading customs contributed to their success as coastal traders.
In combination, these factors played a crucial role in supporting the trading activities of both Axum and the Swahili city-states, allowing them to establish prosperous economic ties with other nations.