Question

What can we infer happened to the Axum Empire after 1100 CE?

O The economic system fell apart due to overexpansion.
O It stopped trading entirely.
O It lost influence as the Swahili city-states gained prominence.
O It was destroyed by a rival empire.

Answer 1

The Axum Empire likely lost influence after 1100 CE, as Swahili city-states gained prominence due to shifts in trade routes and resource depletion.

Step-by-step explanation:

Considering the historical evidence and events, we can infer that after 1100 CE, the Axum Empire likely lost influence as the Swahili city-states gained prominence. The Arab expansion into North Africa reduced Axum's access to Red-Sea trade routes, crucial for economic prosperity. Moreover, the depletion of resources like gold and ivory contributed to their decline. At the same time, East African city-states leveraged Indian Ocean trade winds to enrich themselves, facilitating the growth and greater influence of the Swahili city-states.