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Tanzania

Mbuamaji

Medieval Swahili coastal trading settlement

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

The Mbuamaji archaeological site, located in the Kigamboni District of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, is a historically rich medieval Swahili settlement. This site, which dates from the 15th to the 19th century CE, showcases a variety of architectural and cultural elements, including coral stone structures, a mosque, and numerous tombs. It played a significant role in the trade networks along the East African coast, as evidenced by the abundance of both indigenous and imported artifacts, such as ceramics, beads, and pottery. The site's strategic location near the Indian Ocean facilitated its prosperity in the Swahili era. Despite modern damage, ongoing restoration efforts seek to preserve this vital link to East Africa's past.

Gallery

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

FileGrave_at_Mbuamaji_Ruins_Somangila_Kigamboni_MC_Dar_es_Salaam.jpg
FileInterior_of_14th_century_mosque_near_Mbuamaji_Ruins_Somangila_Kigamboni_MC_Dar_es_Salaam.jpg
FileOld_mosque_wall_at_Mbuamaji_Ruins_Somangila_Kigamboni_MC_Dar_es_Salaam.jpg

Archaeological Features

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

Water Management Features

Wells

Burial and Funerary Structures

Tombs

Religious and Ritual Structures

Mosques

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Towns

Historical Timeline

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

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Tanzania
Source
Wikipedia