Back to Map
Djibouti

Handoga

Ancient ruins with stone houses and artifacts

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

Location

About

Handoga, located near Dikhil in Djibouti, is an archaeological site of significant historical importance. Initial excavations in 1970 revealed the foundations of stone houses and a notable stone edifice with a recess aligned towards Mecca. The site contains evidence of ancient habitation, including petroglyphs dating back to the fourth or third millennium BCE. Various artifacts unearthed at Handoga include ceramic shards, microliths, metal objects, and a unique Chinese coin. The site appears to have transitioned from nomadic to more permanent stone-based architectural techniques. A partially excavated oval house was interpreted as a foundry, yielding substantial iron and copper artifacts. Handoga offers valuable insights into pre-Islamic settlement patterns and material culture in the Horn of Africa.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Handoga

FileHandoga.JPG

Archaeological Features

Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

Storage Structures

Containers

Industrial and Craft Structures

Foundry

Artistic and Decorative Features

Petroglyphs

Domestic and Habitation Structures

HousesVillages

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Djibouti
Source
Wikipedia