 In 1500, the Maore sultanate was established on the island.In 1503, Mayotte was observed and named (firstly "Espirito Santo") by Portuguese explorers, but not colonized.The island has known several eras of wealth (especially during the 11th century at Acoua or between 9th and 12th centuries at Dembéni), being an important part of the Swahili coast culture.