Rethinking late prehistoric Mediterranean Africa: architecture, farming and materiality at Kach Kouch, Morocco

Abstract

The European shores of the Mediterranean are characterisedby well-known sociocultural and economicdynamics during the Bronze and Early Iron Ages(2200–550 BC), but our understanding of the Africanshores is comparatively vague. Here, the authorspresent results from excavations at Kach Kouch,Morocco, revealing an occupation phase from2200–2000 cal BC, followed by a stable settlementfrom c. 1300–600 BC characterised by wattle anddaub architecture, a farming economy, distinctive culturalpractices and extensive connections. Kach Kouchunderscores the agency of local communities, challengingthe notion of north-western Africa as terra nulliusprior to Phoenician arrival.