Prehistoric Timbuktu and its hinterland

A new study reveals that Timbuktu, renowned for its medieval significance as a Saharan caravan hub, also possessed distinct urban characteristics during its prehistoric phase before AD 1000. By mapping settlement patterns in the region's hinterland, researchers uncovered evidence of early urbanism and explored how shifts in the Sahara's climate influenced social dynamics. This approach combines spatial analysis with environmental data to reconstruct Timbuktu's past, offering insights into the resilience and adaptability of prehistoric communities in a rapidly changing landscape.

Park, D. (2010). Prehistoric Timbuktu and its hinterland. Antiquity, 84(326), 1076–1088. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0003598x00067090