Malé is the capital and most populous city. Commonly referred to as the “Island of the Kings”, the Maldives has been inhabited by ancient dynasties from its central location. The Maldives has been inhabited for over 2,500 years. Recorded contact with the outside world dates back to around 947 AD, when Arab travelers began visiting the islands. In the 12th century, partly because of the Arab and Persian importance as traders in the Indian Ocean, Islam reached the Maldivian archipelago.