Ngazargamu
Country: Nigeria
Region: Africa
Period: 1460-1809
Location: 13.083333°N, 12.366667°E
Description
Ngazargamu was a prominent city in the Kanem-Bornu Empire, located in present-day Chad, near Lake Chad in Central Africa. It served as the capital of the Kanem Empire before the empire shifted its center to the city of Bornu (in modern-day northeastern Nigeria). Ngazargamu was an important political, cultural, and economic hub, known for its impressive fortifications, bustling markets, and strategic location for trade routes across the Saharan and central African regions.
Modern Remains
Today, Ngazargamu is largely in ruins, with only traces of its former grandeur remaining. Archaeological sites, including the remnants of walls, gates, and structures, offer a glimpse into the city’s past importance. The ruins are a vital part of the historical understanding of the Kanem-Bornu Empire and continue to be of interest to scholars studying the empire’s rise and fall. Modern-day Ngazargamu is a small village in Chad, and the remnants of the ancient city attract researchers and tourists interested in African history.