Question

what was the wealth of East African city-states based on?

Answer 1

The wealth of East African city-states was primarily based on trade, specifically the trade of goods such as ivory, gold, and slaves. These city-states were strategically located along the East African coast, making them important hubs for trade between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Additionally, they were able to monopolize the trade routes between the interior of Africa and the Indian Ocean, allowing them to accumulate wealth through taxes and tariffs on goods passing through their ports.