Mozambique

San and Khoikhoi hunter-gatherers were the indigenous peoples of southern Africa, including present-day Mozambique. From around AD 400, the area was settled by Bantu-speaking farmers, thought to have originated from the borders of present-day Nigeria and Cameroon. The coastal site of Chibuene was occupied from around AD 600 and traded with other East African coastal settlements as well as the town of Manyikeni, gateway to the Great Zimbabwe civilization renowned for its ivory and gold. From the 7th century, Sofala became the region’s principal port, with people and goods shipped along the Buzi River.