The Swahili World

Book excerpt: The Swahili World explores aspects of the archaeology, history, linguistics and anthropology of the eastern African coast. It covers a 1,500-year sweep of history, during which time the coast was initially settled, towns developed, people converted to Islam, and successive colonial regimes preceded the current nation states which make up the shoreline. The 'Swahili Age' forms the backbone of this study, from approximately AD700 - 1500 and reflects the fact that most of our knowledge of this civilization comes from archaeology. However, with the inclusion of chapters from other disciplines The Swahili World provides the most nuanced and detailed consideration of Swahili culture ever produced.