Koumbi Saleh Market Enclosure East Wall Annex
Medieval (800-1200 CE)·Ghana Empire·🇲🇷 Hodh Ech Chargui, Nema, Mauritania
About
About Koumbi Saleh Market Enclosure East Wall Annex
Koumbi Saleh Market Enclosure East Wall Annex in Hodh Ech Chargui, Nema, Mauritania is a Medieval (800-1200 CE) ancient city attributed to Ghana Empire. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal necropolis 12 × 5 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 15.7540N -7.9635E controls access to Hodh Ech Chargui, Nema resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey ancient-city for Hodh Ech Chargui, Nema, illustrating Ghana Empire construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Scale of population vs agricultural catchment
- 02Ritual vs domestic use
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 900 CE
- Period
- Medieval (800-1200 CE)
- Culture
- Ghana Empire
- Purpose
- Fortified settlement and ceremonial centre controlling regional exchange
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 900 CE
Initial construction of Koumbi Saleh Market Enclosure East Wall Annex main structure
c. 879 CE
Secondary occupation / refurbishment at Koumbi Saleh Market Enclosure East Wall Annex
19th–20th century
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Koumbi Saleh Market Enclosure East Wall Annex) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
15.7540° N · 7.9635° W · 278 m · 4 mapped features
Koumbi Saleh Market Enclosure East Wall Annex — Main Ancient-City Feature
chamberPrimary chamber at Koumbi Saleh Market Enclosure East Wall Annex — rock-cut facade with stratified deposits
15.7525° N · 7.9654° WKoumbi Saleh Market Enclosure East Wall Annex — Secondary Enclosure
cairnAncillary cairn at Koumbi Saleh Market Enclosure East Wall Annex — platform mound with stratified deposits
15.7544° N · 7.9650° WKoumbi Saleh Market Enclosure East Wall Annex — Outlier Rock Art Panel
plazaOutlier plaza panel linked to Koumbi Saleh Market Enclosure East Wall Annex ceremonial landscape
15.7533° N · 7.9619° WKoumbi Saleh Market Enclosure East Wall Annex — Hydraulic/Cistern Annex
reservoirHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir at Koumbi Saleh Market Enclosure East Wall Annex with plastered basin
15.7529° N · 7.9650° W