Discover the Lost City of Djenné-Djenno

The city of Djenné-Djenno was founded in 250 BCE with a proud animist religious tradition. This archeological site is now being excavated and investigated using cutting-edge technology.

A detailed vertical image has been created by stitching together a patch work of high-resolution aerial images in what is called an orthomosaic. It is just possible to make out the circular boundaries of the old city walls.

Multi-spectral satellite images can reveal numerous indicators of old human settlements, helping archaeologists uncover sites over vast distances. Here NDVI imaging monitors vegetation, with areas of human settlement showing up in red. The circular city walls show up, along with a dark red circle which may have been an iron-age smelting pit.

A 3D image allows the archaeologist to easily picture the site and its contours offsite, which is especially useful due to current difficulties in visiting Djenné.

The lay of the land also reveals the old settlement was built on the highest ground, possibly as a protective vantage point.

Over time the deluge of water released during the rainy season carves gullies through the archaeological site. This erosion, along with a rise in looting, compromises our understanding of this ancient settlement.

Excavation has uncovered clay pots with human bones inside, the stored remains of a deceased ancestor.

This is a traditional funerary necklace, similar to those found in the ancient settlement, still used by inhabitants of Djenné today.