The history of Atlia includes the beginning of human habitation of the continent from the 9th century AD and on wards. Groups of the Bantu were the first humans to reach Atlia, with Muslim Swahili-speaking traders sailing from seaside cities in Madagascar and reaching the continent around 887. The Swahili traders established outposts on the northern and western coasts of the continent, some of which grew into prominent city states. Limited settled took place further inward, and the Swahili generally remained coastal and highly maritime.