S7E1: Welcome to Senegambia

Megalithic Tomb Stones in Senegambia

Today, we discuss the prehistory of Senegambia, establishing the region's geography, and early historic context.

S6E9: The Height of the Shirazi Dynasty

Map of Kilwa's Expansion under Suleiman al-Hasan ibn Dawud according to the Portuguese Chronicle (Areas under Kilwa's influence before his rule: dark gold, areas under Kilwa's influence by the end of his rule: light gold)

 

S6E8: The Age of Rebellions

S6E7: Kilwa is Conquered

 

Ruins at Sanje Ya Kati, the likely candidate to be Xanga

In today's episode, we examine the conquest of Kilwa by the mysterious "Xanga", a kingdom that was said to rule over the mainland surrounding Kilwa, and even conquered the island and replaced its ruler with a puppet. In today's episode, we examine the chronicle's narrative of the conquest, and examine some likely (and unlikely) candidates for Xanga's identity.

S6E6: Lime, Iron, and Salt

 

This large furnace, used by the Fipa people in mainland Tanzania, resembles what those of Kilwa looked like during their own time

Our newest episode examines the economic rise of Kilwa, based primarily on its status as an industrial center for the production of iron, salt, and lime, along with its emergence as a major trade hub. The emergence of Sofala as a major center of gold exports in modern day central Mozambique also 

Map showcasing Kilwa's fortunate geographic location between the trade center of Mogadishu and the growing port for gold exports, Sofala.

At the same time that Kilwa was emerging as a major economic center, it was also making its first steps as a major political power. The first documented expansion of Kilwa took place at this time, in the form of the conquest of Mafia Island, an island about 200 km north of Kilwa. The distance of this conquest showcases that Kilwa had an expanding reach, as well as sufficient naval power to mount such an expedition.

Illustrations of mtepe ships at Kilwa and the nearby settlement of Songo Mnara

S6E5: Make Way for Prince Ali, the Mysterious Kilwa Chronicles

Decades da Asia - a historical compilation that includes the Portuguese translation of the Kilwa Chronicle

(Yes, I have now made two references to Disney Renaissance movies in season six. I can't promise these will be the last.)

Today's episode concerns the controversial semi-mythical history of Kilwa's foundation, relayed to us through a pair of texts which allegedly translate a much older indigenous document containing the story.

The location of the city of Shiraz in southern Iran

The Kilwa chronicle(s) tell the story of Ali Ibn Hasan, a prince from the City of Shiraz, then a vassal of the Buyid Dynasty of southern Iran and Mesopotamia. According to the chronicle, Ali was shunned by his brothers due to his heritage, with his mother being an enslaved East African woman. As a result, he decided to leave the city to avoid his brothers machinations, taking himself, his family, and an entourage to East Africa to start a new life. Eventually, he ended up on Kilwa, purchased the island from the locals, and created the kingdom that would late become known in history as the Kilwa Sultanate.

The extent to which this story is based on historical reality is highly contentious. Genetic evidence indicates that local Swahili people often have a noticeable degree of Persian ancestry, while archaeological evidence shows the presence of trade between Persia and Kilwa from an early stage.

However, historians are cautious about accepting the tale. Claims of distant Arab, Hebrew, and other Middle Eastern origins are a common trope in much of Africa, and much of the Islamic world outside of the Middle East more generally. For the most part, these stories are regarded as merely attempts to associate a family or people with the prestige that Middle Eastern ancestry holds within the Islamic faith.

These competing factors lead us to an interesting conclusion about the veracity of such a claim in the episode.

S6E4: Second Fiddle in East Africa

Shangaani District of Mogadishu, an area still featuring many of the city's medieval structures

While Kilwa would one day become the most significant part of the East African coastline, its early history consisted of the island's small settlements staying humble in scale and largely overshadowed by its distant northern neighbor - Mogadishu. 

Throughout the Medieval period, Mogadishu emerged as the most significant city on the East African coastline, despite its lack of a natural harbor. The city offered such an immense diversity of precious goods, and was in such a convenient location shortly away from a well-trafficked international trade route, that a small settlement like Kilwa struggled to peel off merchants from this well-established route.

Map of Kilwa Kisiwani and its Surroundings (from The Chronology of Kilwa Kisiwani, AD 800–1500

It would not be until well into the 11th century that Kilwa's geography, sitting in the middle of multiple river estuaries and a natural harbor, would begin to pay dividends. While the island would one day host a tremendously impressive urban complex, for the moment, it was still a humble settlement of small square houses, and a population consisting mostly of fishermen.