Koumbi Saleh

Koumbi Saleh is an archaeological site located in southeastern Mauritania, believed to be the ruins of an ancient and medieval city that possibly served as the capital of the Ghana Empire. The site, which extends over two main urban areas, was a thriving center from the 11th to the 14th centuries CE. Notable features include the remains of a large Muslim town with stone-built houses, a congregational mosque, and a royal palace set on a raised platform surrounded by a moat. Extensive networks for trade, including evidence of links with North Africa and the Middle East, are indicated by the discovery of Islamic coins and ceramics. The site also includes cemeteries and a marketplace, suggesting a complex and vibrant urban life. The identification of Koumbi Saleh as the Ghana Empire's capital remains debated, with some scholars proposing it might instead be the town of Awdaghost.