Ouadane

Ouadane, located in central Mauritania, is an archaeological site of considerable historical significance due to its role in the trans-Saharan trade. The town, now in ruins, was once a thriving entrepôt and a key point in the transport of gold and salt. Its early history is intertwined with the trade routes described by al-Bakri in the 11th century. By the 15th century, Portuguese explorers documented the town, noting its defensive walls and role in the salt trade. In the 16th century, the town was a focus of Moroccan military expeditions aiming to dominate regional commerce. The remains of a mosque and surrounding structures suggest a vibrant community that declined in the post-classical and early modern periods. Today, Ouadane stands as a testament to the region's rich trading history.