Mezber is a Pre-Aksumite archaeological site located in eastern Tigrai, Ethiopia. Radiocarbon dating suggests that Mezber was occupied for approximately 1600 years (c. 1600 BCE - 25 CE), spanning the Initial, Early, Middle, and Late Pre-Aksumite phases.
Archaeological research at Mezber has produced the earliest archaeological evidence for domestic chickens in the African continent, the earliest metal objects in the Horn of Africa, and one of the largest Pre-Aksumite lithic assemblages.
Excavation history The Eastern Tigrai Archaeological Project (EATP) identified Mezber in 2005 during archaeological surveys. From 2007-2012, ETAP excavated five units at the site (Fields A-E) which were divided into areas (A1, A2, A3, etc.).
The research conducted by ETAP has primarily addressed the rise of social complexity in Eastern Tigrai, specifically examining the roles of internal and external cultural forces that impacted the development of Pre-Aksumite settlements.
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