Archaeological Perspectives on Contacts between Cairo and Eastern Ethiopia in the 12th to 15th Centuries

Abstract A sustained relationship between Cairo, Egypt more broadly, and eastern Ethiopia appears to have existed, particularly in the Ayyubid Mamluk periods. In general absence of historical sources, it is archaeology that provides primary insight into how why this was maintained, over twelfth thirteenth centuries. This considered through archaeological data from trading entrepot Harlaa with particular reference coins, glass wares, ceramics, bread/ textile stamps, marine shell, jewellery moulds. The inferences can be drawn these regarding trade routes markets are assessed. Finally, Egyptian role decline its replacement by Harar late fifteenth century considered.