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Tanzania Timeline
Travel through our timeline of major events in Tanzania's history.
600 B.C. - 400 B.C.
Bantu-speaking peoples move into the area east of Lake Victoria100
Arab traders travel routes between Africa’s west and east coasts. Gold, ivory, cloth and beads are exchanged. Arab culture and religion spread.
THE BRIDGEMAN ART LIBRARY/GETTY IMAGES
1498
Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama becomes the first European to reach the East African coast.1699
Portuguese ousted from Zanzibar by Omani Arabs.1886
Germany and Britain sign an agreement giving Germany control of a portion of East Africa.1905-06
German troops suppress a revolt by the indigenous Maji Maji.1911
Although Zanzibar is under British rule, Khalifa ibn Harub becomes sultan of the island. He exerts a strong influence until his death in 1960.
THE PRINT COLLECTOR/ALAMY
1919
After Germany’s defeat in World War I, Britain, Belgium and Portugal take over parts of East Africa.1947
Tanganiyaka is placed under United Nations trusteeship.1961
Tanganiyaka becomes independent.1963
Zanzibar becomes independent.1964
Tanganiyaka and Zanzibar merge to form one nation. Six months later, the new nation adopts the name Tanzania.
AP