During this period there were several major civilizations being formed in Europe, Asia, and Africa. As well as three different civilizations in the Americas that were at their peak. In Africa Dar-al-Islam, the kingdom of Zimbabwe, and Swahili experienced great prosperity and growth.  Islam spread through trade in Dar-al-Islam and through the Dehli sultanate. In China, the Song Empire made great advancements through paper money and gunpowder. In the Americas, the Aztecs, Incans, and Mississippians were in the midst of their golden age with huge temples, prosperous trade, and expanding empires.