This content is Subscriber-Exclusive
You must have a National Geographic subscription to explore this article.
This abandoned East African city once controlled the medieval gold trade
A product of African, Arabian, and Persian cultures, Kilwa was an economic powerhouse that oversaw the flow of gold from its place on the Swahili Coast.
The ruins of the Husuni Kubwa, the palace-fort of Kilwa, Tanzania, overlook the Indian Ocean. The 14th-century sultan’s residence boasted more than a hundred rooms.
Read This Next
Go Further
Animals
- Vengeance or playtime? Why orcas are attacking boatsVengeance or playtime? Why orcas are attacking boats
- These deep-sea animals are new to science—and already at riskThese deep-sea animals are new to science—and already at risk
- Wildlife crime is a national security issue. DHS is on the case.Wildlife crime is a national security issue. DHS is on the case.
- World’s first ultrasounds of wild manta rays reveal a troubling truthWorld’s first ultrasounds of wild manta rays reveal a troubling truth
- Turns out that huge spider invading the U.S. is incredibly ... shy?Turns out that huge spider invading the U.S. is incredibly ... shy?
Environment
- Japan poised to release nuclear wastewater into the PacificJapan poised to release nuclear wastewater into the Pacific
- Why taking a cold dip on a hot day could be deadlyWhy taking a cold dip on a hot day could be deadly
- California’s epic superbloom is here. Don’t ruin it.California’s epic superbloom is here. Don’t ruin it.
History & Culture
- Why do we celebrate Memorial Day? A brief history of the holidayWhy do we celebrate Memorial Day? A brief history of the holiday
- 'World’s worst shipwreck' was bloodier than we thought'World’s worst shipwreck' was bloodier than we thought
- England was born on this battlefield. Why can’t we find it?England was born on this battlefield. Why can’t we find it?
- She founded an Afghan girls school. Now she runs it in exile.She founded an Afghan girls school. Now she runs it in exile.
Science
- Raging river and frost-tipped dunes reveal watery history on MarsRaging river and frost-tipped dunes reveal watery history on Mars
- The end of cervical cancer? It might be within reach.The end of cervical cancer? It might be within reach.
- How a poor gel manicure can lead to lifelong health issuesHow a poor gel manicure can lead to lifelong health issues
- Are you a stress eater? Here’s how to retrain your brain.Are you a stress eater? Here’s how to retrain your brain.
- Early spinosaur bones reveal the rise of a dinosaur dynastyEarly spinosaur bones reveal the rise of a dinosaur dynasty
- Did early humans interbreed with a ‘ghost’ population?Did early humans interbreed with a ‘ghost’ population?
Travel
- 5 new things to do for families on the British coast5 new things to do for families on the British coast
- Ontario’s captivating, can’t-look-away waterways
- Paid Content for Advertiser
Ontario’s captivating, can’t-look-away waterways