Warfare in precolonial Africa has been erroneously seen as raids or expeditions involving the use of simple weapons. Contrary to this view, recent research has demonstrated that African warfare was serious business in which all kinds of strategies were utilized, including the production or importation of biological weapons.

Abu Abdalla ibn Battuta (1304-1354) was one of the greatest travelers of pre-modern times. He traveled to Black Africa twice. He reported about the wealthy, multi-cultural trading centers of the African East coast, such as Mombasa and Kilwa, and the warm hospitality he experienced in Mogadishu.