When did the Swahili language develop?
The Swahili language was developed in 1728 as a lingua franca between Arabs and African traders.
What two cultures blended to develop Swahili?
The Swahili language and culture was developed through a blending of Bantu and Arab cultures along the East African coast. Bantu peoples provided the linguistic and cultural foundation, while Arab traders and settlers brought influences in language, religion, and architecture. Over time, Swahili culture evolved into a unique fusion of these two influences.
Africans primarily traded with Arab and merchants along the Swahili Coast.?
Yes, trade between Africans and Arab merchants along the Swahili Coast was important due to the Swahili Coast's strategic location between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. This trade facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures, leading to the development of thriving city-states like Kilwa, Sofala, and Mombasa.