Malao

MALAO (Μαλάω, Ptol. 4.7.10. corn. Μάλεως), probably answers to the modern Berbera, the chief town of the Somâleh, who inhabit the western coast of Africa from the straits of Bab-el-Mandeb to cape Guardafui. This district has in all times been the seat of an active commerce between Africa and Arabia, and Malao was one of the principal marts for gums, myrrh, frankincense, cattle, slaves, gold-dust and ivory. (See Heeren, African Nations, vol. 1. p. 330, Engl. transl.)