Swahili Coast
Definition
The Swahili Coast refers to a coastal area of East Africa inhabited by the Swahili people; it's known for its distinct culture, trade with other parts of Asia and Africa, and Islamic influence.
Analogy
Imagine if your local shopping mall was not just a place for commerce but also had its own unique language, culture, architecture influenced by all those who visited it - that's what life on the Swahili Coast was like!
Related terms
Indian Ocean Trade Network: This was an important connection between East Africa (including areas like the Swahili Coast), Arabia, India, China which facilitated cultural exchange as well as trade goods.
Swahili Language: A Bantu language widely spoken in East Africa; it incorporated many words from Arabic due to interactions via Indian Ocean trade network.
Kilwa Sultanate: An Islamic city-state on the Swahili Coast which became wealthy through trade.
"Swahili Coast" appears in:
Study guides (2)
Practice Questions (1)
- Which primary language was used in trade along the Swahili coast during this period?
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.