14th century – 15th century
Kilwa archipelago, southeastern Tanzania
Songo Mnara was a substantial stone-built town on an island adjacent to Kilwa. It expanded during the first half of the fifteenth century, when building activity revived in the Kilwa region. Imported pottery suggests that trade with the Persian Gulf was especially important there, while continuing contact with Aden is also indicated.
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The Story
Songo Mnara developed on the island adjacent to Kilwa during the first half of the fifteenth century. The settlement is described as a new and quite extensive town, with houses built almost entirely in stone. Its growth formed part of a renewal of building activity after Kilwa itself had experienced reduced construction during the latter fourteenth century.
Archaeological evidence from imported pottery indicates that trade with the Persian Gulf was especially important to Songo Mnara. The town therefore participated in the wider commercial system of the Swahili coast, where maritime exchange connected East African settlements with Arabia, the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean.
Songo Mnara’s development also demonstrates that the Kilwa region remained commercially active even when political authority at Kilwa was being challenged. The visit of the deposed king of Aden in AD 1454 indicates that connections with Aden continued, although the excerpt does not establish whether Songo Mnara itself possessed independent political authority.
14th century – 15th century
Kilwa archipelago, southeastern Tanzania
Songo Mnara was a substantial stone-built town on an island adjacent to Kilwa. It expanded during the first half of the fifteenth century, when building activity revived in the Kilwa region. Imported pottery suggests that trade with the Persian Gulf was especially important there, while continuing contact with Aden is also indicated.
Continue exploring
The Story
Songo Mnara developed on the island adjacent to Kilwa during the first half of the fifteenth century. The settlement is described as a new and quite extensive town, with houses built almost entirely in stone. Its growth formed part of a renewal of building activity after Kilwa itself had experienced reduced construction during the latter fourteenth century.
Archaeological evidence from imported pottery indicates that trade with the Persian Gulf was especially important to Songo Mnara. The town therefore participated in the wider commercial system of the Swahili coast, where maritime exchange connected East African settlements with Arabia, the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean.
Songo Mnara’s development also demonstrates that the Kilwa region remained commercially active even when political authority at Kilwa was being challenged. The visit of the deposed king of Aden in AD 1454 indicates that connections with Aden continued, although the excerpt does not establish whether Songo Mnara itself possessed independent political authority.
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