http://edition.cnn.com/2015/10/19/africa/kilwa-rhapta-felix-chami/index.html
Unearthing the origins of East Africa’s lost civilization
(CNN)On the Tanzanian coast, 330 km south of capital Dar es Salaam, there’s a stillness out on the water that belies the frenetic trade that flowed through this spot hundreds of years ago.
The harbor at the island of Kilwa was for hundreds of years one of the wealthiest areas of Africa. Since ancient times, this trading post connected the continent to the rest of the world.
Today, the site’s historic importance has captured the imagination of established archaeologists like Felix Chami, professor of archaeology at the University of Dar es Salaam, who could be on the cusp of one of Africa’s greatest discoveries.
“I feel that these architectural remains are from the greatest of the African civilizations,” says Chami, standing near the ancient ruins of Kilwa.
“When you cross the beaches and the channel to Kilwa Kisiwani you see millions of pieces of pottery. Then when you get to the island itself, you actually see the wonders of civilization.”
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