Theatre of the World
Africa
In the sixteenth century, Africa was home to powerful kingdoms, vast trade networks, and rich cultural traditions. The Songhai Empire controlled major trans-Saharan routes, linking West Africa to the Mediterranean. Along the Swahili Coast, city-states like Kilwa flourished as hubs of Indian Ocean trade, connecting Africa to the Middle East and Asia. Inland, the Kingdom of Kongo engaged in commerce with Portuguese traders, exchanging ivory, textiles, and metals. While European maps reflected curiosity about the continent, African states remained the driving force in shaping the continents’ role within expanding global networks of trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.
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Bibliography:
BLAEU, Willem Janszoon. Toonneel des aerdriicx, ofte nievwe atlas, dat is Beschryving van alle landen; nu nieulycx uytgegeven. Amsterdam: Published by Johannes, son of Willem Blaeu, 1648–1655.
The Rubenstein Library Catalog
SANUTO, Livio. Geografia di M. Livio Sanuto distinta in XII libri. Venice: Printed by Damiano Zenaro, 1588.
The Rubenstein Library Catalog
ALDROVANDI, Ulisse. De quadrupedibus digitatis viviparis libri tres, et de quadrupedibus digitatis oviparis libri duo. Compiled by Bartholomaeus Ambrosinus. Bologna: Printed by Nicolaus Tebaldinus, 1645.
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