Describe a major factor in the longevity of the Swahili city-states’ influence.
the trade network that connected the city-states to other powers in the Indian Ocean
the weather along the coastal area allowing for an increase in farming
the wide variety of goods that they offered
the number of cities along the coast overwhelming any competitors
1 answer
A major factor in the longevity of the Swahili city-states' influence was the trade network that connected them to other powers in the Indian Ocean. This trade network was crucial to their economic prosperity and allowed them to establish strong diplomatic connections with various powerful entities in the region. By trading goods such as gold, slaves, ivory, spices, and textiles, the Swahili city-states were able to accumulate wealth and maintain their influence over a long period of time. The trade connections also brought cultural exchanges, allowing the city-states to flourish intellectually and artistically. Additionally, the trade network provided a source of political power, as the city-states could leverage their control over trade routes to establish relationships with external powers. This network helped the Swahili city-states withstand external pressures and maintain their influence for centuries.