Reconnaissance Archeologique a Gao (Mali) Et Environs

Abstract

The archaeology reconnaissance carried out  during the summer of 2002 in the vicinity of Gao in Mali and further along the now desiccated valleys of Tilemsi and Anchaouadj has demonstrated that a few millennia ago this region on the margin of the Sahara desert was  intensively settled. This observation suggests wetter climatic conditions which extended back Late Stone Age (LSA)  A total of 70 archaeological  sites were found including 18 LSA sites, 42 Iron Age mounds sites, 7 ancient cemeteries and 3 iron smelting industrial sites. The size of the sites and their surface archaeological occurrences were recorded. Different geomorphological zones were also recognized. The survey established the average size of the Iron Age mound sites ranged between 10 and 20 ha. The largest measured more than 50 hectares. This large Iron Age site suggests the beginning of urbanism. The numerous exotic goods, especially glass beads and copper objects recovered at some of these mounds sites indicate that long distance trade played an important role in the economy of the Gao area.