Sailing Around Erythraean Sea: Sixteen


Updated 04/11/2024
In the previous Section we saw the unknown sailor in various beaches of Aziana. None of these beaches was a natural harbour and factors like climate, the tides, formation of sandbars etc. decided the suitability of the beach for anchorage. Now the voyage continued:

Two days sail beyond, there lies the very last market-town of the continent of Azania which is called Rhapta; which has its name from the sewed boats (raphton ploiarion) already mentioned; in which there is ivory in great quantity, and tortoise shells. Along this coast live men of piratical habits, very great in stature, and under separate chiefs for each place. The Mapharitic chief governs it under some ancient right that subjects it to the sovereignty of the state that is become first in Arabia. And the people who Muza now hold it under his authority, and send tither many large ships, using Arab captains and agents, who were familiar with the natives and intermarry with them, and who know the whole coast and understand the language.

My Search:-

1. Rhapta is last anchorage point of the Aziana, a region comprising eastern regions of Tanzania, Kenya and Mozambique. The name is derived from the Greek word Rhapton which means a raft, a flat buoyant structure of timber logs or bamboo fastened together to transport these material, together with other merchandise. Alternatively, it also reflects the topography of the land. Rufiji River drains into the Indian Ocean; but before draining into the ocean, it creates a split delta and two estuaries. Rufiji delta is split into three. Estuary was also split into two. Out of three pieces of Rufiji delta the northern delta carried the name "Kiombani". The nearby places are Muchungo, Nyambati, Salale and Simba Uranga; all in United Republic of Tanzania.

Rhapta is a Koine Greek adaptation of Rufiji. The root "raphes" or "raphto" means sewen or stitched; or patched or mended.  The root "Ta" gives an indication of the place. This term reflects the broken estuary, and a wish to get it mended. Alternatively it may also mean that the estuary was once mended. But the author does not give such an indication and only says that Rhapta was a market-town. Rufiji delta excavations by Tanzania uncovered ceramics, coins and other artefacts dating to First to Fifth century. Take a look at Rufiji, its  delta, and a number of villages on the northern bank of the river on Google maps. All the villages, like Mloka, Mwaseni, Mibuyusaba, etc. etc., that we see now must have been uninhibited and unmarked in the first century of Common Era. Look at Rufiji delta on Google Maps it is split and there are two estuaries, north and south, draining into the Indian Ocean. This delta must have been more or less the same, as the name Rhapta reflects. It must have been unnavigable also. But the channel beside the Mafia islands must have provided a safe anchorage for the ships.


2. Mapharitic tribes: Indigenous tribes of Somalia and other seaside towns of Aziana. They were merchants as well as pirates. They resort to piracy to increase their wealth. Piracy had its roots in raid by cattle rearers to increase their wealth. And historically the first merchants must have arisen from pastoral community, because their nomadic life compelled them to move in search of pastures and make contacts with the chieftains, which gave them opportunity to know the availability and shortages of merchandise in chieftains' area, so
that, trading became a secondary source of their wealth.

3. Muza: It was an ancient port city in Yemen. It is modern day Mocha (Al - Mukha) Excavations at Mocha have uncovered ancient ruins of city walls, tombs, pottery and coins and confirmed significance as a major trade centre. 

Presence of the merchants of Muza is emphasized here. 

In the last para it is translated that people (merchants) from Muza intermarried local women. I think it is a naunced interpretation. The merchants unite with local women and form relationships. Such relationships could lead to cultural exchange, language acquisition and mixed offsprings.

The result was a kind of cultural diffusion. Merchants introduced new ideas, customs and technologies to Rhapta. At the same time local culture influenced merchants lifestyle and trade practices. Mixed offsprings may have played a significant role in shaping the cultural identity of Rhapta.

End of the Section 


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