(eTN) – Tanzanian archaeologists and historical experts have announced the discovery of dozens of ancient ruins along the coastal area, dating back to as far as the 13th century. The new finds will shed new light on life as it was then, the identity of coastal dwellers, and possible trade with other seafaring nations across the oceans, in particular the Gulf area. It is believed from initial assessment that Arabic traders, and also the Portuguese in later centuries, had made landfall in what is now Tanzania and established settlements able to provide water and food to the ships and also trade for commodities in demand back then.
The experts were following clues on slave trade routes and coastal centers, and during their exploration stumbled across some relatively well-preserved ruins partly buried under vegetation.
Tourism sources in Dar es Salaam are already excited over the prospect of soon being able to offer a new attraction for visitors to see while on holiday in the country, and the nearby aerodromes and airfields of Tanga and Pangani will be able to cater to tourists flying in from Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, and Arusha. Said a regular source: “This find is potentially priceless for us. Kilimanjaro and Serengeti, Ngorongoro, are well known abroad. So are our beaches from the mainland to Zanzibar and the other islands used for tourism. But now we can add a big component of history and culture, which should draw more visitors to Tanzania.”
Only recently was mention given here to the extensive caves also found in the Tanga area, which in itself still await further exploration and interpretation of the finds made there, but for now, tour operators are already getting busy to gather enough information to include a trip to Tanga in regular itineraries.