CHAPTER II 



MOMBASA 

 Early history — its harbours — inhabitants — shops — natives. 



Almost the whole history of Mombasa, as far back 

 as we have knowledge, is written in one word, and 

 that the native name for it " Mvita " (Battle). In 

 the fourteenth century Arabs visited the place, 

 later in the fifteenth century the Portuguese. 



Vasco da Gama is still brought to one's notice 

 in the names of the streets. 



For some time struggles occurred between the 

 old residents and the Portuguese, who took formal 

 possession in 1508. At intervals Mombasa was 

 besieged, burnt to the ground, built up again, razed 

 to the ground afresh, and so on. 



The Portuguese built the old fort in 1595 called 

 Jesus Fort, in the centre of the town, and by its 

 aid kept peace for a time. However, it was taken 

 through trickery by the Arabs, who kept it for a 

 while. 



Another fort was built before this in 1588, 

 facing the sea at one end of Mombasa, during the 

 Turkish invasion, which the Portuguese turned 



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