Question

Use examples from the lessons to answer the following question in two to three complete paragraphs: In what ways did ethnic diversity play a role in the development of the Swahili Coast, compared to in Ethiopia?

Answer 1

Ethnic diversity played a significant role in the development of the Swahili Coast through the fusion of Arab Muslim merchants and Bantu peoples. In Ethiopia, the dominant cultural and religious identity of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity shaped its development.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the development of the Swahili Coast, ethnic diversity played a significant role. The Swahili civilization emerged as a result of interactions between Arab Muslim merchants and the Bantu peoples living in the region.

The Arab merchants settled in the coastal communities and intermarried with Bantu women, forming a mixed African-Arab ancestry among the merchants.

This fusion of cultures and ethnicities facilitated trade and helped establish the distinct Swahili language and culture, which had a powerful influence along the coast of East Africa.

In contrast, Ethiopia had a different experience with ethnic diversity. While Ethiopia is home to various ethnic groups, the dominant cultural and religious identity in Ethiopia is Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity.

Unlike the Swahili Coast, which was influenced by Arab Muslim merchants, Ethiopia's development was shaped by its unique Orthodox Christian tradition. This religious and cultural unity contributed to the development of a strong centralized state in Ethiopia.