A breathtaking aerial view captures the Oued Beht ridge and river in vibrant colors, shedding light on a groundbreaking discovery. Archaeological exploration in Morocco has unveiled the earliest farming society from a mysterious era of northwest African history.
Published today in Antiquity, this study unveils the pivotal role of the Maghreb region (northwest Africa) in shaping complex societies across the Mediterranean. Positioned at the crossroads of diverse landscapes – from a Mediterranean climate to bordering the Sahara desert – Maghreb emerges as a cultural hub fostering intercontinental connections.
Despite its significance during various historical periods, there remains a notable gap between 4000 and 1000 BC regarding Maghreb’s archaeological narrative. To bridge this knowledge void, Youssef Bokbot (INSAP), Cyprian Broodbank (Cambridge University), and Giulio Lucarini (CNR-ISPC and ISMEO) conducted collaborative fieldwork at Oued Beht, Morocco.
Professor Broodbank emphasizes, “For over thirty years I have believed that Mediterranean archaeology lacked essential insights into prehistoric North Africa. Now we can acknowledge Africans’ dynamic contributions to early Mediterranean societies.”
Date: 2024-09-23 19:15:02
Explore more about this discovery on phys.org