Rédaction Africa Links 24 with TesfaNews
Adulis, once a bustling port city on the eastern coast of Eritrea, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Legend has it that the name Adulis means “free people,” as the city was a refuge for slaves fleeing Egypt. Over time, Adulis grew into a major trade center along the Red Sea, connecting Egypt, Greece, and the Roman Empire through its ports.
Although Adulis now lies buried beneath the sands of time, ongoing archaeological excavations have shed light on its past. Since 2011, experts have been tirelessly working to uncover the secrets of this ancient hub. In a recent discovery, a treasure trove of ceramics dating back to between 1500 B.C. and 500 B.C. was unearthed at the site. This find is significant as it bridges previous historical periods and promises to enrich the understanding of the region’s history through further research.
During the peak of the mighty Aksum empire in northern Ethiopia, Adulis played a crucial role in connecting the empire with other ancient civilizations. It even traded with China between 220 A.D. and 589 A.D. However, the city’s prosperity was short-lived, as it fell to Arab invaders around 640 A.D. and was eventually destroyed with the decline of the Aksum empire in the seventh century.
Today, Eritrea stands on the northeastern coast of Africa, bordered by Sudan, Ethiopia, and Djibouti. The ongoing excavations at Adulis have turned the site into a potential tourist destination and archaeological treasure trove. The artifacts unearthed at the site provide valuable insights into the ancient civilizations that thrived in the region and their connections to other parts of the world.
Dr. Tsegay Medin, the coordinator of the excavation project, emphasized the importance of the ceramic discoveries at Adulis in bridging different historical periods and expanding our knowledge of the region’s past. Italian archaeologist Prof. Serena Massa highlighted the international historical significance of Adulis as one of the few ancient towns in Sub-Saharan Africa built with stones. She suggested that the ancient manuscripts and monuments found at the site could establish links between the Adulis civilization and that of Punt Land, opening the door to new phases of excavation.
Dr. Abraham Zere, another archaeologist involved in the project, pointed out that the discoveries at Adulis will deepen our understanding of ancient civilizations in the Horn of Africa and the Southern Red Sea region. The collaboration between Eritrean and Italian experts in the Adulis project has facilitated the exchange of knowledge and expertise, paving the way for further discoveries and insights into the region’s rich history.
As the excavations at Adulis continue to uncover more artifacts and relics, the ancient port city is slowly revealing its secrets and offering a glimpse into the vibrant trade networks and cultural exchanges that once flourished along the Red Sea coast. Through the diligent work of archaeologists and researchers, Adulis is poised to reclaim its place in history as a key player in the ancient world.
Read the original article on Tesfa News
