Mauritania - Archaeological site of Tegdaoust

Tegdaoust was an essential stage in the trade and metallurgical industry of gold, iron and copper; it was certainly the first step on the road linking the Maghreb and the Sudanese country. This city has had a flourishing trade in gold and very wealthy socio-economic activities for several centuries. The archaeological site dates from the 8th century, but has had several periods of occupation that lasted until the 13th century. Between 1050 and 1070, the site, until that date was under the authority of the Empire of Ghana, was conquered by the Almoravids. The site excavations have shown the evolution of architecture and human life in an environment that is experiencing a growth of aridity and, they have identified very significant objects in the trade and the gold industry, one of which is probably the oldest in the region.