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Can't locate an existing thread - thought this article may be of interest.
Antongona and the Mystery of the Early Madagascans
Source: ancient-origins.net
Date: 28 February, 2020
Madagascar is an island nation off the southeast coast of Africa and is most famous for its exquisite environment and unique wildlife, especially lemurs. It is the 4 th largest island in the world. One of the most important archaeological sites in Madagascar is Antongona and yet, its origins and story remain largely a mystery.
Madagascar was settled by a diverse range of people. Those who settled on the east of the island were predominantly of Austronesian descent, from what is now modern Indonesia, especially Javanese and Malays. There was also an influx of people from the east coast of Africa from the 9 th century AD, which included Somalians, other African nationals, and Arab traders. The modern population is descended largely from African and Arab settlers.
[...]
Antongona consists of two archaeological sites that date from the 1500s to roughly 1800. The two areas, which are walled and fortified, are 984 ft (300m) apart. They are set on two high, rocky hills which was of great strategic value and offers an expansive view of the surrounding plain. Both sites are accessed by narrow, winding sets of flagged steps. The steep approach to the gates is narrowed by earthen works and to access Antongona, there are seven gates to pass through. These designs were used to obstruct and deter even the most determined attacker.
https://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-places-africa/antongona-0013346
Antongona and the Mystery of the Early Madagascans
Source: ancient-origins.net
Date: 28 February, 2020
Madagascar is an island nation off the southeast coast of Africa and is most famous for its exquisite environment and unique wildlife, especially lemurs. It is the 4 th largest island in the world. One of the most important archaeological sites in Madagascar is Antongona and yet, its origins and story remain largely a mystery.
Madagascar was settled by a diverse range of people. Those who settled on the east of the island were predominantly of Austronesian descent, from what is now modern Indonesia, especially Javanese and Malays. There was also an influx of people from the east coast of Africa from the 9 th century AD, which included Somalians, other African nationals, and Arab traders. The modern population is descended largely from African and Arab settlers.
[...]
Antongona consists of two archaeological sites that date from the 1500s to roughly 1800. The two areas, which are walled and fortified, are 984 ft (300m) apart. They are set on two high, rocky hills which was of great strategic value and offers an expansive view of the surrounding plain. Both sites are accessed by narrow, winding sets of flagged steps. The steep approach to the gates is narrowed by earthen works and to access Antongona, there are seven gates to pass through. These designs were used to obstruct and deter even the most determined attacker.
https://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-places-africa/antongona-0013346