The wealth of East African city-states was based on

The wealth of East African city-states was primarily based on trade. These city-states, such as Kilwa, Mombasa, and Zanzibar, thrived due to their strategic locations along the Indian Ocean trade routes. They engaged in trade with various regions, exchanging goods like gold, ivory, spices, and slaves, which significantly contributed to their wealth and development. While control of natural resources, farming, and gold mining also played roles, trade was the central factor that connected these city-states to larger markets and cultures.