Angola dam site reveals 15th-century burials after landmines cleared
Archaeologists have discovered 15th-century burials at a hydroelectric dam construction site in Angola, marking the oldest radiocarbon-dated burials in the country. These findings challenge previous historical assumptions regarding the development of stone architecture in central Angola.
Why it matters
This discovery provides critical new evidence for African history and archaeology, correcting long-held misconceptions about regional architectural development.
A hydroelectric dam under construction in Angola has led archaeologists to one of the country's most important historical discoveries. Before the area disappears beneath the dam's reservoir, researchers uncovered Angola's oldest radiocarbon-dated burials. These burials are the earliest known stone structures in central Angola and the country's only known ancient urn cremation. The discoveries offer a rare glimpse into how people in the region lived and buried their dead more than 600 years ago. The findings were published in the Journal of Field Archaeology.According to Science X, the discoveries were made at the archaeological site of Caculo Cabaca in central Angola. The archaeological team had limited time to study the site before it was lost.
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