- 4 votes
According to page 35 of the History Study Pack, there were several factors that led to the rise of the Mutapa Empire:
1. The decline of Great Zimbabwe - The decline of Great Zimbabwe created a power vacuum in the region, which allowed for the rise of new states such as Mutapa.
2. The influence of Mapungubwe - Mapungubwe was a powerful state that had significant influence over the region and played a role in the formation of Mutapa.
3. Trade - Mutapa was strategically located along trade routes that connected the interior of Southern Africa with coastal regions, which allowed for the accumulation of wealth through trade.
4. Military conquests - The Mutapa Empire expanded through military conquests, which allowed for the acquisition of new territories and resources.
5. Leadership - The leadership provided by Nyatsumba Mutota, who founded the Mutapa Empire, was instrumental in its rise to power.
Overall, a combination of factors including political instability in the region, trade opportunities, military conquests, and strong leadership contributed to the rise of the Mutapa Empire.
