Mbuamaji
Tanzania

Mbuamaji

Medieval Swahili coastal trading settlement

Location

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Historical Context

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.

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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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
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Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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First Inhabitation

15th century CE

Settlement Flourished

15th century CE

Construction of Mosque

1608 CE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Water Management Features

Wells
category

Burial and Funerary Structures

Tombs
category

Religious and Ritual Structures

Mosques
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Towns
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

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Plan Your Visit

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Reference

Details

Country

Tanzania

Coordinates

-6.87° N, 39.42° E