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Kenya

Pate Island

Swahili trading and cultural hub

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

Pate Island, part of Kenya's Lamu Archipelago, is a significant archaeological site due to its prominent role in the Swahili coast's trade and cultural history. During the early first millennium CE, it transitioned from an agricultural community to a specialized trading hub by the 10th century. The island was central to the Pate Sultanate from the 13th to 19th centuries, engaging in trade with Arabs, Persians, and Indians. Pate Town, with its renowned 'Golden Age' in the 18th century, was known for its fine arts, including exquisite architecture, jewelry, and textiles. Faza, another town on the island, was notably destroyed by the Portuguese in 1587. The island also has historical ties to Chinese exploration, suggested by local legend and archaeological evidence. Pate's archaeological significance lies in its role as a cultural and economic hub on the Swahili coast.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Pate Island

FileKE-Lamu.png
FileLamu_Pate_Map.jpg
FilePate_town_narrow_streets.jpg

Archaeological Features

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

Burial and Funerary Structures

Graves

Religious and Ritual Structures

Mosques

Domestic and Habitation Structures

TownsCitiesPalaces

Historical Timeline

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

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Kenya
Source
Wikipedia