Repro ID: PU1920
Title: Mombaza, c. 1550.
Description: Mombasa island was settled by Arabs and Swahili by the 12th century. Over the next two centuries mosques and houses were built of coral and wood. In 1505 Francisco De Almeida stormed the town starting almost 200 years of Portuguese influence. Omani and Zanzibari control over the coast began in 1741 and effective British colonial rule began in 1875. This image clearly shows the Arab-Swahili town to the north of the island known to the Portuguese as the Moorish City, and known today as the Arab or Old Town.
Creator: Unknown
Date: c. 1580
Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London
