Archaeologists in Somaliland have unveiled what they believe to be the site of the ancient “Land of Punt,” a fabled kingdom thought to have flourished thousands of years ago in the Horn of Africa.
The discovery, led by Isaaq Yusuf of Somaliland’s Archaeology Organization, is centred on an ancient map unearthed in the region. The map, Yusuf explained, guided the team to a hidden underground city that experts believe may have served as the capital of the Punt kingdom.
“It took eight months to decipher the map. Once I understood it, it led to a city with pyramids concealed underground,” Yusuf told MMTV. “We believe it was the administrative and spiritual center of Punt. This discovery places Somaliland at the heart of ancient global trade and culture.”
Known as the “Land of the Gods” by ancient Egyptians, Punt was celebrated for its wealth in incense, gold, and exotic animals. Egyptian pharaohs dispatched expeditions to Punt for both trade and religious purposes, emphasizing its importance in the ancient world.
To verify the findings, Yusuf worked with a team of international archaeologists who agreed that the site matched historical descriptions of Punt, a key player in ancient trade networks. The team’s findings suggest that a queen once ruled Punt and commissioned the construction of the underground city to safeguard the kingdom’s treasures during times of conflict.
“Our findings suggest that Punt was not only a hub of trade but also a sophisticated society capable of large-scale engineering,” Yusuf said.
The team has presented their findings to Somaliland’s government, urging the implementation of laws to protect and preserve archaeological sites. Yusuf emphasized the need to secure these treasures for future generations while also showcasing them to the world.
Somaliland’s potential identification as Punt aligns with its rich archaeological history. Sites such as Laas Geel, featuring rock art dating back 12,000 years, and Dhambalin, known for 5,000-year-old paintings, underscore the region’s significance in early human civilization.
Yusuf’s team investigations at Laasgeel, Aw-Barkhadle, and the Naaso Hablood mountains have revealed additional artifacts, including inscriptions suggesting that prophets may have travelled through the region.
