Archaeologists in Ethiopia uncover ancient city in Harlaa

Archaeologists have discovered the remains of an ancient city that existed in the 12th century near Harlaa, Eastern Ethiopia.

Among the findings are a Mosque, evidence of Islamic burials and headstones and jewellery from India.

The researchers believe the findings could shed light on Islam’s origins in Africa, as their study is one of the first to find evidence of ancient Islamic sites in the region.

Researchers from the University of Exeter discovered the forgotten city in Harlaa, Eastern Ethiopia.

As well as the 12th century Mosque and evidence of Islamic burials and headstones, the team also found glass vessel fragments, rock crystal, carnelian, and glass beads, imported cowry shells, and pottery from Madagascar, the Maldives, Yemen and China.

They also found bronze and silver coins from 13th century Egypt.

Islam is thought to have spread to East Africa after the death of the Prophet Muhammad in the mid-seventh century.

But some theories suggest that Prophet Muhammad sent some early followers to Abyssinia (modern day Ethiopia) in the seventh century.

Ethiopia is now a predominantly Christian country, with just one third of the population Muslim.

So far, there has been very little archaeological research carried out in Islamic sites in Ethiopia, so the findings could shed light on how Islam spread through Africa.

Farmers have been uncovering pottery and coins for many years in the area, and were convinced there was rich information about Ethiopia‘s history to be found underground.

The settlement, which is around 500m by 1,000m, has buildings and walls constructed with large stone blocks, leading local people to assume only those with enormous stature or strength could have built it and encouraging local legends about giants having inhabited the region.

Archaeologists worked with the local community for two years to make the discoveries, which will be exhibited in a heritage centre run by local people designed to bring income to the area.

Professor Timothy Insoll, who led the research, said: ‘This discovery revolutionises our understanding of trade in an archaeologically neglected part of Ethiopia.

‘What we have found shows this area was the centre of trade in that region.

‘The city was a rich, cosmopolitan centre for jewellery making and pieces were then taken to be sold around the region and beyond.

‘Residents of Harlaa were a mixed community of foreigners and local people who traded with others in the Red Sea, Indian Ocean and possibly as far away as the Arabian Gulf.’

The architecture of the mosque is similar to those found in Southern Tanzania and Somaliland, showing connections between different Islamic communities in Africa.

Some of the jewellery found at the dig was also made using delicate pieces in silver, bronze and semi-precious stones and glass beads, which suggests it was made in India.

The remains of some of the 300 people buried in the cemetery are being analysed to see what their diet consisted of, and whether they lived up to their ‘giant’ legend.

Professor Insoll said: ‘The archaeological findings suggest this place was home to a very mixed community.

‘Local people were extremely keen for us to solve mysteries.

‘Farmers had been finding strange objects, including Chinese coins, as they were working on their land, and a legend began that the area was home to giants.

‘We have obviously disproved that, but I’m not sure they fully believe us yet. Some people have said the bodies we have discovered are the children of giants!’

The researchers now hope to continue working on other sites in the area.