This region had long been the source of slaves for the route through the Sahara to the Mediterranean. The arrival of the Portuguese opened up another channel which they expanded during the 16th century.

On the east coast the Portuguese were drawn to Mozambique and the Zambezi River by news of a local people, the Munhumutapa, who allegedly possessed fabulous wealth in gold. In 1531, in an effort to reach Munhumutapa and their gold, the Portuguese established two settlements far up the Zambezi River. One of these settlements, Tete, was 260 miles from the ocean; however the treasure remained beyond their grasp.

The colonization of Africa by the Portuguese had a devastating impact on some of the exiting civilizations. The Afro-Muslim Zendj civilization of East Africa, who competed for the African trade, was completely destroyed by 1583. The Kingdoms of the Congo and the Monomotapa were also destroyed by Portuguese...
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