UNESCO World Heritage SiteUNESCO Heritage
Lake Turkana
Ethiopia

Lake Turkana

Volcanic, hominid fossils, alkaline desert lake

Location

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Historical Context

About

Lake Turkana, located in the Kenyan Rift Valley, is a significant archaeological site known for its rich deposits of hominid fossils and connection to early human evolution. The lake's alkaline, saline waters and surrounding volcanic landscape have preserved numerous fossils, providing insights into human ancestry and environmental changes over millions of years. Prehistoric connections to the Nile system and evidence of ancient human activity, such as the Nataruk conflict site, highlight the lake's long-standing importance. The presence of the Namoratunga archaeoastronomical site underscores Turkana's role in early human cultural developments. Despite environmental challenges, Lake Turkana remains a vital research area for understanding human history and adaptation.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

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FileHeterotis_niloticus_154613099.jpg
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Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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

High water levels

9500 BCE

Namoratunga site

300 BCE

Nataruk conflict

10,000 BCE

Formation of Lake Turkana

Not applicable

Prehistoric connection to Nile system

Not applicable

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Water Management Features

Dams
category

Burial and Funerary Structures

GravesCairns
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Plan Your Visit

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Reference

Details

Country

Ethiopia

Coordinates

3.58° N, 36.12° E