Ishango

The Ishango site, located along the northeastern shores of the Democratic Republic of Congo's Lake Edward, is a significant archaeological site with evidence of human occupation dating back to around 20,000 BCE. As one of the earliest known Mesolithic sites in Africa, it provides key insights into the lives of early hunter-fisher-gatherers. The site is renowned for the discovery of the Ishango bone, considered one of the oldest mathematical tools. Fluctuations in lake levels and volcanic activity have shaped the site, offering a glimpse into the environmental conditions of the time. Archaeological finds, such as stone tools, bone harpoons, and evidence of dietary habits, reveal the complex social and cognitive behaviors of its ancient inhabitants. These findings underscore Ishango's role as an important location for understanding human evolution and environmental adaptation in Central Africa.