Djenné-Jeno

ancient city, Mali

Also known as: Djenné-Djenno

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Last updated

June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

Djenné-Jeno was an ancient city in Mali, dating back to 250 BCE, making it one of the oldest urban settlements in sub-Saharan Africa. It was located near the modern city of Djenné, on floodplains between the Bani and Niger rivers.1

Djenné-Jeno declined around the time the new city of Djenné was established, likely between the 8th and 13th centuries CE. Djenné grew into a vital trading hub, connecting the Sudan region with the tropical forests of Guinea. The city was also a significant center for Muslim scholarship and is known for its Great Mosque, a remarkable example of Sudanese and Sahelian architecture built from mud. Djenné, Djenné-Jeno, and surrounding archaeological sites are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.12

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Djenné
…is near the site of Djenné-Jeno, an ancient city dating as far back as 250 bce—one of the oldest known cities in sub-Saharan Africa—that had fallen into decline near the time that Djenné was established. Djenné grew into an entrepôt between the traders of the central and western Sudan and…
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…is near the site of Djenné-Jeno, an ancient city dating as far back as 250 bce—one of the oldest known cities in sub-Saharan Africa—that had fallen into decline near the time that Djenné was established. Djenné grew into an entrepôt between the traders of the central and western Sudan and…
Read More

Mali
Precolonial history
An important trading center, Djenné-Jeno, arose about 250 bce in the inland delta of the Niger River and flourished until the 11th century ce. It then declined and eventually was eclipsed by Djenné, a trading center founded by Muslim Soninke about the 13th century ce. Terra-cotta statues dating to…
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An important trading center, Djenné-Jeno, arose about 250 bce in the inland delta of the Niger River and flourished until the 11th century ce. It then declined and eventually was eclipsed by Djenné, a trading center founded by Muslim Soninke about the 13th century ce. Terra-cotta statues dating to…
Read More