Supporting local culture
and heritage
The archaeological works carried out during Ambatovy’s construction phase led to the
identification of more than 100 sites dating back to the period between the 12th and 20th century
AD, shedding light on 800 years of Madagascar’s history. This is a noteworthy contribution in a
country whose history is known to only have begun 4,000 years ago.
The archaeological team has collected nearly 5,000 different artifacts that include: shards of
local pottery; glass; iron; chlorite schist sherds; and ceramics from Europe and Asia. In addition
to the archaeological sites, many cultural and religious sites were also identified: burial sites;
standing stones; sacred poles, monuments, as well as sacred or forbidden sites. These important
discoveries are currently being documented and are being stored in a room at the Centre for
Ethnological and Linguistic Studies and Research (CEREL), at the University of Toamasina, prior
to being made available to anyone wishing to expand their knowledge of the history of the
eastern part of Madagascar.
Ambatovy’s contribution is undoubtedly valuable, and has led to the discovery and exposure
of new archaeological sites, as well as the consolidation of prior knowledge through physical
evidence.
