A breakthrough LiDAR survey conducted over the desiccated plains of the Lake Chad Basin has identified a sprawling urban complex belonging to the early Kanem-Bornu Empire. The scans revealed a massive central citadel surrounded by three concentric rings of defensive earthen walls, spanning over five square kilometers. The city, which dates to the 8th century CE, was previously hidden beneath layers of silt and seasonal vegetation.
Researchers believe the site served as a vital administrative and military hub during the empire's initial expansion. The LiDAR data shows a sophisticated urban grid, including grand avenues, residential districts with uniform courtyards, and an advanced water management system designed to harvest seasonal rains. Ground surveys have already yielded fragments of locally smelted iron and glass beads, pointing to the city's role in the trans-Saharan trade network.