Archeological breakthrough unveils North Africa’s protohistoric past

Archaeologists led by Professor Youssef Bokbot of the National Institute of Archaeological Sciences and Heritage (INSAP) have uncovered the Maghreb's first known protohistoric village at the Kach Kouch site in the province of Tetouan, Morocco.

This groundbreaking discovery, published on February 17, 2025, in the scientific journal Antiquity, challenges long-held assumptions about the development of North African societies prior to the arrival of the Phoenicians.

The excavations at Kach Kouch revealed evidence of human occupation spanning three significant periods. The earliest phase, dated between 2200 and 2000 BCE, is poorly documented due to scarce remains. The subsequent phase, from 1300 to 900 BCE, marks the emergence of structured dwellings constructed with mudbrick and wood, alongside evidence of agricultural and pastoral activities. By the third phase, between the 8th and 7th centuries BCE, cultural influences from external sources began to appear, including iron tools and Phoenician pottery.

The site features advanced infrastructure, including circular mudbrick dwellings and rectangular buildings with stone foundations, indicating a socially organized and sedentary community. Underground silos suggest long-term food storage, further highlighting the sophistication of resource management.

This discovery undermines the notion that pre-Phoenician North African societies were underdeveloped. Archaeobotanical analyses show the cultivation of barley, wheat, beans, and peas. By the final phase, crops like grapes and olives had been introduced, signaling advancements in agricultural practices.

Animal remains reveal an economy centered on the herding of sheep, goats, and cattle, with limited pig farming. Additionally, the unearthing of tools, hand-crafted pottery, and metal fragments demonstrates a high level of technical skill. Notably, a tin-bronze fragment dated to 1110–920 BCE represents the earliest evidence of this alloy’s use in North Africa, west of Egypt.

The Kach Kouch community appeared to maintain regular contact with other Mediterranean and Saharan populations, facilitating exchanges of goods and techniques. This is evident in the evolution of both their architecture and material culture.

Professor Bokbot emphasized that the findings rewrite the narrative of pre-Phoenician Maghreb societies. Contrary to earlier assumptions, the research confirms that advanced socio-economic structures were present well before the Phoenicians' arrival. Kach Kouch likely functioned as a cultural and economic crossroads, connected to Europe and the Near East.

The significance of Kach Kouch extends beyond this single site. It raises the possibility that other similar protohistoric settlements remain undiscovered, offering new opportunities for future research. By shedding light on a complex and structured society, this discovery represents a pivotal step forward in understanding North Africa’s protohistoric heritage. It also invites scholars to reconsider the role of North African populations in shaping Mediterranean history at the dawn of civilization.