IV. The Early Modern Period, 1500–1800 > G. Africa, 1500–1800 > 2. Regions > d. East Africa
  PREVIOUS NEXT  
CONTENTS · SUBJECT INDEX · BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD
  The Encyclopedia of World History.  2001.
 
(See R. 1344–74)
 
d. East Africa
 
 
1. Swahili Coast
1500
 
Most of Swahili coast at an economic and cultural peak, though Kilwa was in decline on eve of Portuguese arrival. All the towns by this stage were Muslim, speaking an early form of Swahili, while hinterland peoples remained animist.  1
 
1591
 
Mombassa fell to Portuguese in alliance with Malindi. Sheik Ahmad of Malindi was made sheik of Mombassa.  2
 
1592–96
 
Portuguese built a factory on Zanzibar and established Fort Jesus and put in place a garrison of 100 men at Mombassa to secure a foothold on the Swahili coast. Elsewhere, their presence was minimal, involving only the collection of tribute.  3
 
1652–1729
 
Omani Arabs struggled with Portuguese for control of the Swahili coast. Omani raid led ruling dynasty in Zanzibar to proclaim its independence from Portuguese.  4
 
1696–98
 
Omani Arabs besieged Fort Jesus, leading to surrender by the Portuguese in 1698.  5
 
1729
 
Portuguese were finally driven out of Mombassa and other Swahili towns by local forces.  6
 
1741
 
Rise of Bas'idi dynasty in Oman set stage for rise of Zanzibar under Omani rule in 19th century.  7
 
 
 
The Encyclopedia of World History, Sixth edition. Peter N. Stearns, general editor. Copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Maps by Mary Reilly, copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

CONTENTS · SUBJECT INDEX · BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD
  PREVIOUS NEXT