Emergence of Swahili trading towns on the East African coast (c. 6th–10th centuries CE)

1. Indian Ocean monsoon routes link East Africa

   Jan 1, 100 BCELabels: Indian Ocean, Monsoon Routes

   • Britannica
   • Periplus

2. Periplus describes trading on Azanian coast

   Jan 1, 50Labels: Periplus, Azania Coast

   • Periplus
   • Rhapta

3. Proto-Swahili develops among coastal Bantu speakers

   Jan 1, 600Labels: Proto-Swahili, Sabaki Languages

   • Iranica

4. Consistent coastal settlement appears in Zanzibar region

   Jan 1, 700Labels: Zanzibar Region, Tana Tradition

   • Antiquity
   • Unguja Ukuu

5. Unguja Ukuu grows as early trading center

   Jan 1, 750Labels: Unguja Ukuu, Zanzibar

   • Antiquity
   • Springer

6. Shanga forms as an eighth-century town site

   Jan 1, 800Labels: Shanga, Pate Island

   • Shanga
   • BIEA

7. Early mosques mark growing Islamic presence

   Jan 1, 850Labels: Early Mosques, Shanga

   • Shanga
   • Horton 1996

8. Kilwa Kisiwani is founded as coastal settlement

   Jan 1, 900Labels: Kilwa Kisiwani, Coastal Settlement

   • Kilwa
   • UNESCO Silk

9. Imported goods increase in early Swahili towns

   Jan 1, 950Labels: Imported Goods, Swahili Towns

   • Antiquity
   • UNESCO Silk

10. Trade towns expand links to interior Africa

    Jan 1, 1000Labels: Interior Links, Caravan Routes

    • UNESCO WHC
    • UNESCO Silk

11. Coral-stone building begins to appear

    Jan 1, 1050Labels: Coral-stone Architecture, Stone Buildings

    • UNESCO Silk
    • UNESCO WHC

12. Swahili trading towns become durable urban network

    Jan 1, 1100Labels: Swahili Urban, Coastal Towns

    • Iranica
    • UNESCO WHC