Ancient North African civilization flourished in the fourth millennium BC

Recent archaeological discoveries in Morocco have unveiled the earliest known farming society in northwest Africa, significantly altering our understanding of Mediterranean history. The site, located in Oued Beht, was identified as the largest agricultural complex in Africa outside the Nile region, flourishing between 3400 BC and 2900 BC. This finding highlights the region's potential as a cultural and agricultural hub during the fourth millennium BC. The excavation revealed a wealth of artifacts, including domesticated plants, animals, and pottery dating back to the late Stone Age. The concentration of these findings is unprecedented for this period in Africa, suggesting a well-established community engaged in agriculture and trade. The presence of deep storage pits similar to those found in Iberia indicates a significant connection between North Africa and southern Europe. Researchers from the University of Cambridge emphasized the importance of the Maghreb region in shaping the early social landscape of the western Mediterranean. The discoveries challenge the long-held belief that the southern shores of the Mediterranean were less influential during this era. Instead, they suggest that societies in this region played a crucial role in the development of agricultural practices and cultural exchanges. As a result of these findings, Oued Beht and the northwest Maghreb are now recognized as vital components in the prehistory of the Mediterranean, prompting a reevaluation of the historical narrative surrounding the region's contributions to early civilization.