For centuries, local residents of Harlaa in Eastern Ethiopia have told tales of a land once occupied by giants. These stories, passed down through generations, speak of colossal inhabitants and structures built with stones so large that ordinary men could not lift them. Recent archaeological discoveries in Harlaa are revolutionizing our understanding of trade in an archaeologically neglected part of Ethiopia.
An international team of researchers, led by the University of Exeter, has unearthed an ancient city in Ethiopia, revealing significant information about the origins of international trade and Islam in the country between the 10th and early 15th centuries. This settlement, located near Dire Dawa, Ethiopia's second-largest city, has sparked intense interest and speculation.
Location of Harlaa in Ethiopia
Archaeological Discoveries in Harlaa
Archaeologists had not previously carried out extensive work in this part of Ethiopia. Farmers had been uncovering pottery and coins for many years in the area, and were convinced there was rich information about Ethiopia's history to be found underground. The area is dotted with centuries-old walls and structures, built with stones so large that it seems impossible ordinary men could lift them.
A dig in Harlaa, Eastern Ethiopia, has revealed a 12th-century mosque, evidence of Islamic burials and headstones. The archaeologists also uncovered a 12th Century mosque which is similar to those found in Tanzania and Somaliland. Archaeologists says this proves historic connections between different Islamic communities in Africa.
Read also: Morocco's Blue Pearl
The team, from the University of Exeter and the Ethiopian Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage, also found artifacts from as far afield as India and China, suggesting that the region functioned as a hub for foreign traders. The mosque bore similarities to others discovered in Tanzania and Somaliland, a region of Somalia that has declared its autonomy, suggesting contact and connections between early Islamic communities in East Africa.
The finds include glass vessel fragments, rock crystal, carnelian, and glass beads, imported cowry shells, and pottery from Madagascar, the Maldives, Yemen and China. Researchers uncovered artifacts-glass vessels and beads, rock crystals, gemstones, cowry shells and pottery-that originated in Yemen, Madagascar, the Maldives and China. Additionally, bronze and silver coins from 13th-century Egypt were also found. Archaeologists also discovered bronze and silver coins from 13th-century Egypt.
These finds suggest that Harlaa belonged to a network of Islamic communities in Africa, and that it was also linked to other culturally diverse locations. Remains found in the dig suggest jewellers were making high-quality, delicate pieces in silver, bronze and semi-precious stones and glass beads.
Professor Timothy Insoll, from the Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Exeter, who led the research, said: "This discovery revolutionises our understanding of trade in an archaeologically neglected part of Ethiopia. What we have found shows this area was the centre of trade in that region."
The settlement, which is around 500m by 1,000m, has buildings and walls constructed with large stone blocks - leading people to assume only those with enormous stature or strength could have built it, and encouraging local legends about giants having inhabited the region.
Read also: Unveiling Ciudad Perdida
Ethiopia: The Oldest Nation on Earth? The Untold Story (History Documentary 4K)
The Myth of the Giants
The Lost City of Giants in Ethiopia is a fascinating archaeological enigma that has captured the imagination of explorers and researchers for centuries. The origins of the myth surrounding the Lost City of Giants can be traced back to ancient Ethiopian folklore and oral traditions. According to local legends, there once existed a magnificent city inhabited by a race of giants who possessed extraordinary strength and knowledge. These giants were said to be the children of fallen angels and human women, a concept reminiscent of the biblical Nephilim.
Representation of Giants in Ancient Times
The settlement, located near Ethiopia's second largest city of Dire Dawa, in the east of the country, consisted of buildings constructed with large stone blocks, which gave rise to a local myth that giants lived there. The immense size of some of the building stones that were also found there, gave birth to a local legend that the city was once home to giants.
However the archaeologists found no evidence of this. Professor Insoll said: "The archaeological findings suggest this place was home to a very mixed community. Local people were extremely keen for us to solve mysteries. Farmers had been finding strange objects, including Chinese coins, as they were working on their land, and a legend began that the area was home to giants. We have obviously disproved that, but I'm not sure they fully believe us yet."
Harlaa as a Cosmopolitan Trade Center
Harlaa was a "rich, cosmopolitan" centre for jewellery making, Prof Insoll said. "Residents of Harlaa were a mixed community of foreigners and local people who traded with others in the Red Sea, Indian Ocean and possibly as far away as the Arabian Gulf," he said.
Read also: Unforgettable Stay at Sun City Camp
“What we have found shows this area was the center of trade in that region,” Insoll continues. The city was a rich, cosmopolitan centre for jewellery making and pieces were then taken to be sold around the region and beyond. The settlement may date to as early as the 10th century, and it was home to an Islamic population. But Harlaa was a cosmopolitan hub frequented by a vast array of peoples.
Professor Insoll said: "We know jewellery was being made here for trading into the African interior, and materials to do this came in from the Red Sea, East African Coast and possibly India, but we don't know what was given in exchange for that jewellery." Researchers believe it may date back as early as the 10th century.
The main seat of Islamic learning in Ethiopia was Harar, which is located near Harlaa. Harar is said to be among the holiest Islamic cities and has 82 mosques, including three dating from the 10th Century, and 102 shrines, according to Unesco.
The team also found jewellery and other artefacts from Madagascar, the Maldives, Yemen and China.
Future Excavations and Preservation
The research is funded by the European Research Council and previously by the Max Van Berchem Foundation in Switzerland. The archaeologists, from the Universities of Exeter, Addis Ababa and Leuven, will continue digging next year, in other sites and deeper underground, in order to unearth more evidence of people who lived there earlier in history.
Archaeologists worked with the community for two years to make the discoveries, which will be exhibited in a heritage centre run by local people designed to bring income to the area. Some findings will be displayed in the country's national museum in Addis Ababa.
National Museum of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa
Popular articles:
tags: #Ethiopia
