The East African trading kingdoms thrived due to their strategic coastal locations along the Indian ocean, which facilitated maritime trade with traders from Arabia, Persia, India, and beyond. The region's access to valuable resources such as gold, ivory, and spices attracted commerce and established trade routes. Additionally, the integration of Islamic culture and practices helped foster relationships with Muslim traders, enhancing economic ties and promoting a vibrant exchange of goods and ideas. Moreover, the development of port cities like Kilwa and Mogadishu served as vital hubs for trade, further stimulating regional and international commerce.
Crusades and eastern Mediterranean trading network
West Africa had pletiful trading kingdoms.
European interactions with West African kingdoms primarily began in the 15th century with the arrival of Portuguese explorers, followed by other European powers. These interactions included trade, particularly in gold, ivory, and enslaved people, as well as the establishment of trading posts along the coast. European interest in the region often led to complex relationships, involving both cooperation and conflict, as well as significant cultural exchanges. However, these interactions also contributed to the exploitation and destabilization of West African societies, particularly through the transatlantic slave trade.
The long growing season
Before Portugal established trading posts along the West African coast, Europeans primarily acquired enslaved individuals through indirect means, such as purchasing them from local African kingdoms and traders. These groups often captured individuals during conflicts, raids, or through established slave systems within their societies. Additionally, Mediterranean and Atlantic trade routes facilitated the movement of enslaved people, allowing European merchants to engage in the transatlantic slave trade even before direct involvement in West Africa.
Ivory and gold
Africakingdoms gained their powered by trading gold and salt.
Ghana! Then followed by Mali, then Songhai ! :)
gold
Camels contributed to the success of West African trading kingdoms because of their usefulness as pack animals on the gold route.
Te Dutch east Indian trading company
To obtain goods and firearms from Europe
Crusades and eastern Mediterranean trading network
Early empires gained wealth and power by trading slaves, gold, and ivory.
The arrival of the European in the 15th and 16th century led to the slave trade. The Europeans traders were involved in the African kingdoms like Mali and Ghana because of their sophisticated trading networks.
it allowed trading
Arabian and African societies were involved in slave trading in Africa before Europeans. Arab merchants conducted a significant portion of the trans-Saharan slave trade, while African kingdoms such as the Kingdom of Benin and the Kingdom of Dahomey participated in capturing and selling slaves.