Explore the Ruins of a Medieval East African Empire - Atlas Obscura

Explore the Ruins of a Medieval East African Empire

Kilwa Kisiwani ("isle of the fish") was once one of the greatest trading cities of the Swahili culture. In the 10th century, it traded resources of the African interior: gold, ivory, timber, and other riches. But Kilwa Kisiwani began to decline when the Portuguese arrived in the 16th century. The ruins of the city are still reachable, though it's no easy task. 

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