Question

which of the following characterizes the growth of swahili trading cities?
a conversion of islam by force
b conversion to a common language
c trading gold, iron, and slaves
d the influence of the songhai people

Explanation:

The Swahili trading cities thrived on trade. They were part of the Indian Ocean trade network. Gold, iron, and slaves were among the commodities traded. Islam was adopted through voluntary conversion (not by force), so A is wrong. Swahili was a language that developed in the region (not a conversion to a common language in the way option B implies). The Songhai people were centered further west in the Sahel region (not a major influence on Swahili trading cities), so D is incorrect.

Answer:

C. trading gold, iron, and slaves