Amud, Archaeological site in Awdal Region, Somalia.
Amud is an archaeological site in the Awdal Region of Somalia, sitting at around 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) above sea level on elevated terrain. The remains include dozens of stone houses and religious buildings spread across the hillside.
The settlement was founded in the 15th century during the Adal Sultanate and grew as a key stop on caravan routes linking distant trading centers. Over time it went through two separate phases of occupation, now referred to as Amud I and Amud II.
Religious buildings and burial grounds reflect the spiritual role this settlement held for the surrounding communities. These structures remain meaningful landmarks in local traditions and beliefs.
The site sits a few kilometers southeast of Borama and is best reached by a four-wheel-drive vehicle, as tracks in the area can be rough. It is worth contacting local authorities in advance to arrange access before making the trip.
Excavations at the site turned up fragments of Chinese porcelain dating to the 17th century, showing how far the settlement's trade connections once reached. This find came from a place that, at the time, had already been occupied for generations.
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