DjennéDjenno

Djenné-Djenno, located in Mali, is an ancient city that was a major trading center in West Africa. Archaeological evidence suggests it was inhabited from around 250 BCE to 1400 CE, making it one of the oldest urban settlements in sub-Saharan Africa. The city thrived due to its strategic position on the Bani River, a tributary of the Niger River, which facilitated trade routes connecting different regions of West Africa.

Excavations at Djenné-Djenno have revealed a complex urban society with a sophisticated infrastructure. Discoveries include remnants of houses, mosques, and public buildings, as well as a variety of artifacts such as pottery, iron tools, and jewelry. The inhabitants were skilled artisans, particularly in ironworking and pottery. The city's economic prosperity was largely driven by its role in the trans-Saharan trade, with goods like gold, salt, and textiles being exchanged.

Djenné-Djenno played a significant role in the development of medieval West African empires, including the Ghana, Mali, and Songhai empires. Its decline is thought to be linked to shifts in trade routes and the rise of new urban centers. Today, the archaeological site of Djenné-Djenno is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its outstanding universal value and its contribution to understanding the history of urbanization and trade in Africa.