Engaruka
Tanzania

Engaruka

Iron Age irrigation ruins in northern Tanzania

Location

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Historical Context

About

Engaruka is an abandoned system of ruins located in northwest Monduli District in central Arusha Region. The site is in geographical range of the Great Rift Valley of northern Tanzania. Situated in the Monduli District, it is famed for its irrigation and cultivation structures. It is considered one of the most important Iron Age archaeological sites in Tanzania. The site is located in the ward of Engaruka. The site is registered as one of the National Historic Sites of Tanzania.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

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FileEngaruka_map.jpg
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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First European record

5 July 1883

Construction of settlement

15th century

Desertion of Engaruka

c. 1700–1750

Scoeller and Kaiser report

1896–1897

Hans Reck investigation

1913

Leakey fieldwork

1935

Recent academic studies

2001–2006

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Animal Husbandry Features

Animal Pens
category

Water Management Features

Irrigation CanalsDams
category

Artistic and Decorative Features

Monuments
category

Agricultural and Land Use Features

TerracesField Systems
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Villages
category

Environmental and Natural Features

Landscaped Earthworks
Knowledge Base

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Reference

Details

Country

Tanzania

Coordinates

-2.98° N, 35.95° E