Kilwa Port Dominance investigates the influential role of Kilwa, a medieval Swahili city-state, within the Indian Ocean trade networks.
The book explores how this East African settlement became a crucial hub, facilitating trade between the African interior, the Arabian Peninsula, and India.
Kilwa's prosperity wasn't solely due to gold exports; its proactive management of coastal trade networks and control over key ports were vital to its economic and political leverage.
The book challenges conventional views by underscoring the agency and ingenuity of Swahili merchants in shaping regional trade dynamics.
The book unfolds systematically, beginning with Kilwa's geographical setting and early history.
It then delves into the gold trade, maritime networks, and the roles of Swahili merchants.
By drawing from archaeological findings, historical texts, and Swahili oral traditions, the book offers a nuanced perspective on Kilwa's rise and its lasting impact on East African trade and culture.
The analysis connects to economics, archaeology, and anthropology, providing a holistic understanding of Kilwa's significance in pre-colonial Africa.
