Rhapta

Rhapta is the name of most important the Comptoir on the coast of the East Africa to be left, at least, of the 1st century. Its localization is not formally identified or several sites can correspond to this city.

Histography

The first mention of this market is done in chapter 16 of: the Tour of the sea Érythrée and is described like the last market of Azania, at two days of voyage from the island of Menouthis subjected to the reigne of the Mapharitis in the Arab Péninsule. According to the esplorator Diogène Rhapta is with the mouth of the river éponyme, to oppose it island of Menouthis and close to the mountains to the Moon or the White Nile takes, according to the legend, its source. This account is confirmed by Claude Ptolémée. Rhapta is also mentioned at the 6th century by Cosmas Indicopleustès.

Localization

Several sites are proposed:

Tanga, with the mouth of the river Mkulumuzi and Sigi
Pangani, with the mouth of the river Ruvu, close to the mountain Meru and the Kilimandjaro and or a Semitic stele in caratère was found.
Msasani, with a few kilometer in the north of Dar Es Salaam or Dar Es Salaam, him even
Kisuyu
In the archipelago of Zanzibar

Some share in the delta of the Rufiji opposite the island of Maffia or one found traces of trade of the Roman time .
Although some on some points the islands of Pemba and Unguja does not seem to correspond, one found Roman parts on Pemba

Trade

The only trade attested by the Tour of the sea Érythrée is the ivory as well as the scales of tortoise S. Cependant several sources ancient indicate that several spices passed by this area to come to Occident. These sources are not very reliable.

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