The archaeological site of Oued Beht in Morocco, dating back to 3400 B.C. to 2900 B.C., was first discovered in the 1930s but remained mostly untouched until new fieldwork began in 2021 by the Oued Beht Archaeological Project (OBAP). The site, situated in Morocco, has been revealed to be the earliest and largest agricultural complex in Africa beyond the Nile corridor, with evidence showing that it was once used for farming. Excavations at the site uncovered pottery, chipped stone, axes, microlithics, and the remains of sheep, cattle, and pigs. Several “bell-shaped” pits were also discovered, along with finds of African ivory and ostrich eggshells that indicate a connection to Iberia.
The recent findings at Oued Beht have provided insight into the people who lived in the area during that time period, revealing the dynamic contribution of Africans to the emergence and interactions of early Mediterranean societies. Remains of animals and artifacts found at the site suggest a strong connection with Iberia, highlighting the role played by societies in the Maghreb region in the emergence of Mediterranean and wider African societies. The discoveries made at the site have filled a significant gap in our understanding of later prehistoric North Africa and shed light on the rich history and interactions of ancient societies in the region.
The carbon dating of charcoal and seeds from deep pits at the Oued Beht site has provided valuable information about the timeline of the agricultural complex, dating it back thousands of years. The study published in the journal “Antiquity” highlighted the importance of investigating and publishing findings from sites like Oued Beht to gain a better understanding of the role played by different regions in the development of ancient societies. The excavation at Oued Beht also uncovered rock carvings of an ancient board game dating back 4,000 years, adding to the archaeological significance of the site and enhancing our knowledge of cultural practices in the region.
The discoveries at Oued Beht have not only provided valuable insights into the history of the region but have also emphasized the need for further exploration and research into other archaeological sites in North Africa. The findings at the site have challenged previous narratives and highlighted the importance of acknowledging the contributions of African societies to the development of early Mediterranean civilizations. The connection between the Oued Beht site and similar sites in Iberia suggests a complex network of interactions and exchanges that played a crucial role in shaping ancient societies in the region.
Overall, the archaeological excavations at the Oued Beht site have revealed a rich history of farming, trade, and cultural exchange in North Africa during the Bronze Age. The findings have filled a significant gap in our understanding of the region’s prehistoric past and have shed light on the role played by societies in the Maghreb in the emergence of Mediterranean and wider African cultures. The discoveries at Oued Beht have opened up new avenues for research and exploration, highlighting the importance of investigating and publishing findings from archaeological sites in North Africa to gain a better understanding of the complex interactions and dynamics that shaped ancient societies in the region.
