Ancient defensive wall found in Morocco rewrites North African history
Researchers uncovered a 4,000-year-old defensive structure at Oued Beht in north-west Morocco that challenges previous understanding of the region's ancient civilizations.
New excavations reveal large construction
Excavations carried out in 2023 uncovered a substantial built structure likely used for defense. This find represents the earliest known large-scale construction of its kind in north Africa outside the Nile Valley. The site overlooks a river and sits within hills in the north-west part of the country.
Society was more complex than thought
The discovery suggests communities during the second millennium BC actively shaped their environment. These groups also participated in wider networks connecting them to the Mediterranean world. Previous work had already identified an agricultural complex dating back roughly 5,400 years.
Age of structure remains unclear
Scientists estimate the wall is between 3,500 and 4,000 years old. The exact purpose of the fortification has not yet been determined by the research team. Further study will help clarify how this site fits into regional history.
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