Great Zimbabwe

East Africa and the Indian Ocean Basin The trading patterns of East Africa in the Indian Ocean basin have undergone many changes between 1450-1750 that have shaped not only the communities in East Africa economically, but also culturally. Through the growing interactions with societies outside of Africa, these communities were able to evolve from relying on simplistic methods of trade to more complex methods that allowed for an increased exchange of cultures and religions. Overall, these changes are marked by a dramatic alteration concerning the structure of society, while the general dependence on trade remained an integral aspect of East African society.