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Mauritania

Tichit

Neolithic stone-built settlements in Mauritania

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

Tichit, located in central southern Mauritania, is an archaeological site renowned for its Neolithic settlements, known as the Tichitt culture. Established around 2000 BCE by agropastoral communities, these settlements are the oldest stone-built structures south of the Sahara and were likely constructed by the proto-Soninke people. Notable for their location on sandstone cliffs, the site includes stone buildings and numerous rock art images depicting animals and hunting scenes. The region was abandoned around 500 BCE due to increasing aridity. Tichit later became a significant caravan stop on the Trans-Saharan trade route during the 12th century. The site holds immense historical importance as it provides insights into early West African civilization and its architectural and agricultural practices.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Tichit

FileA_door_in_Tichit.png
FileDhar_Tichitt_and_Town.jpg
FileThe_Mosque_of_Tichitt.jpg

Archaeological Features

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

Artistic and Decorative Features

Rock Art

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Villages

Historical Timeline

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

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Mauritania
Source
Wikipedia