Question

why did swahili coast city - states thrive in long - distance trade across the indian ocean? choose 1 answer: a swahili rulers taxed camel caravans on sahara crossings to control inland gold and salt. b ports relied on local silver mines to finance fleets and dominate sea lanes. c sailors timed voyages with monsoon winds to link africa and asia. d merchants avoided foreign ships to keep local prices high and reduce competition.

Explanation:

• Option A: Taxing camel caravans on Sahara crossings is related to trans - Saharan trade, not Indian Ocean trade, so A is incorrect.
• Option B: The Swahili coast was not known for local silver mines financing fleets; their trade was more about connecting with Asian and other African regions through maritime routes, so B is incorrect.
• Option C: The monsoon winds in the Indian Ocean were crucial for long - distance maritime trade. Swahili sailors could time their voyages with these winds to travel between Africa and Asia, which facilitated the thriving of their city - states in long - distance trade across the Indian Ocean.
• Option D: Avoiding foreign ships would limit trade and is not a reason for thriving in long - distance trade. In fact, the Swahili city - states engaged in trade with foreign merchants.

Answer:

C. Sailors timed voyages with monsoon winds to link Africa and Asia.