Pemba Island has a rich history that dates back over a thousand years. It was a key trading hub in the Indian Ocean, attracting Arab, Persian, and Indian merchants. The island became part of the Sultanate of Zanzibar in the 19th century and played a significant role in the global spice trade, particularly in the production of cloves. Ancient ruins, such as those at Ras Mkumbuu and Ndagoni, reflect its long-standing cultural and commercial importance.