Civilizations of East Africa

In previous modules, you learned that trade, for example along the Silk Road in the sixth to fourteenth centuries, played an important role in the growth and development of the communities in Africa, Asia, and Europe. Caravans followed these trade routes with items like clothes, spices, glass, porcelain, soap, gunpowder, furs, paper, silver, gold, amber, ivory, carpets, and perfume. Maritime routes across the Indian Ocean allowed cultural exchange between Africa and the far East, which proved a great factor in the development of several prosperous civilizations during the medieval period, two of which were the kingdoms of Axum and Zimbabwe. Located near the Ethiopian Highlands and the Nile River between the third and sixth centuries A.D. (C.E.), Axum became a great market. During the fourth century, the kingdom became politically and economically tied to Roman Egypt, which prompted the growth of Christianity. While Axum was impressive in its domination of northeastern African trade and culture, Zimbabwe was the most powerful kingdom in southern Africa from 1300 to 1450 A.D. (C.E.). This wealthy community utilized the Indian Ocean trade routes to connect with Asia. In this interactivity, you will explore more about the kingdoms of East Africa. Click the player button to begin.
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