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Opone

100 BC – 500
City-stateAfrica

Independent Somali coast emporium (modern Hafun/Ras Hafun) named in the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea — a hub of the cinnamon, cassia, ivory, tortoiseshell, and spice trade with Egypt, Greece, Rome, Persia, Phoenicia and beyond. Arose after the decline of the legendary Macrobian kingdom and existed alongside sibling autonomous ports Avalites, Malao, and Mosylon.

Continued as a trading node through the 3rd–5th centuries AD per the archaeological and textual record; precise decline undocumented. Surveyed by archaeologist Neville Chittick in the 1970s (drystone walls, courtyards, imported Egyptian/Roman pottery, harbor remains).

Borders in 100 BC · drawn from 1 sourced border frame
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Further reading

Sources