Back to Map
Kenya

Ruins of Gedi

Medieval Swahili town with stone structures.

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

The Gedi ruins in Kenya represent a significant medieval Swahili coastal settlement, characterized by its stone architecture, including mosques, palaces, and pillar tombs. The site flourished between the 11th and 17th centuries, serving as a crucial trade hub along the Indian Ocean, evidenced by imported materials such as pottery, beads, and coins. Gedi's urban core, defined by an inner and outer wall, reveals insights into the social and economic structures of Swahili culture during this period. The site's archaeological significance lies in its ability to illustrate the development of Swahili urbanism, the spread of Islam, and the impacts of trade networks on East African coastal societies.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Ruins of Gedi

FileGede2.JPG
FileGede3.JPG
FileGreat_Mosque_of_Gede.jpg

Archaeological Features

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

Defensive Structures

Defensive Walls

Water Management Features

Wells

Burial and Funerary Structures

Tombs

Religious and Ritual Structures

Mosques

Domestic and Habitation Structures

HousesPalaces

Historical Timeline

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

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Kenya
Source
Wikipedia