Salweyn

Salweyn, also known as Salwine, is a proto-Somali archaeological site located in the Sanaag region of Somaliland.

Salweyn
Archaeological site
Salweyn
Coordinates: 10°54′55″N 46°55′50″E
Country	Somaliland
Region	Sanaag
Time zone	UTC+3 (EAT)

Overview

Salweyn is situated to the east of the old coastal town of Heis.^[1] A small eponymous creek is located in the area.^[2]

The site contains a very large field of cairns, which stretches for a distance of around 8 km.^[1] An excavation of one of these tumuli by Georges Révoil in 1881 uncovered a tomb, beside which were artefacts pointing to an ancient, advanced civilization. The interred objects included pottery sherds from Samos, some well-crafted enamels, and a mask of Ancient Greek design.^[2]

Additionally, close to the cairns are a number of rows of standing stones. These menhirs are similar to those at Heis and Botiala.^[3]

Along with Macajilayn, Salweyn is also the only local site where specialized ancient disc-like monuments have been found.^[1]