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Malawi

Mbande Hill

Hill fort with pottery and bead finds

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

Mbande Hill, located in Northern Malawi's Karonga district near Lake Malawi, is a significant archaeological site that served as the capital of the Ngonde kingdom. The site is distinguished by its association with the 'Kyungu' chiefs who governed from this location. Archaeological evidence, including pottery and bead finds, indicates that the site was actively occupied from the 1500s to the 1800s, with its uppermost excavation levels dating to the 19th century. The site is notable for its potential connections to East Africa's maritime trade networks, which may have influenced its development and prosperity. The presence of an earthwork possibly related to fortifications highlights its defensive role. Overall, Mbande Hill offers a rich historical narrative of regional power dynamics and trade interactions in early modern Africa.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Mbande Hill

FileMbande_Hill_Karonga_northern_Malawi.jpg

Archaeological Features

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

Defensive Structures

Hill Forts

Environmental and Natural Features

Landscaped Earthworks

Historical Timeline

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

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Malawi
Source
Wikipedia