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Exploration and analysis tools have significantly improved since the first excavations took place by the pioneers of Malagasy
archaeology, more than fourty years ago. It is normal that new elements have been discovered and the accuracy of analysis allows
researchers to go back a little further in time.
In order to better understand the importance of our findings they must be placed in the broader context of Madagascar’s history. The
route of the pipeline, connecting Ambatovy’s sites, crosses the three districts of Moramanga, Brickaville and Toamasina.
The Role of the East Coast in the History of Madagascar
• Settlement of the East Coast
Throughout the general phases related to Madagascar’s settlement, the east coast was favoured. It is rich in stories mentioning
migratory movements that are one of the cornerstones of the settlement of Madagascar. Water data on the Indian Ocean, combining
winds and ocean currents, indicate that the Antongil Bay is the natural terminal of ships sailing from Asia.
This idea was proven by the presence of pumice from the eruption of Krakatoa, Indonesia, on 27 August 1883. One of the last
groups of Austronesians took root in the region of Antongil Bay. Archaeological works discovered ancient sites like Nosy Mangabe
and Sandrakatsy, which date back from the 8th to the 19th century AD. Leaving this region they migrated inland, looking for vast
plains to grow rice. One of their routes passed through the Alaotra Lake, another through Ambatovy’s area of intervention. The site
of Vohidrazana II, a hill over 1,000 m high and south of the village of Ambavaniasy, is an important indicator of their passage. After
crossing the Mangoro River and climbing the Angavobe mountain range, their travels seem to have ended at the great plains of
Betsimitatatra, Antananarivo.
The groups settled in the current region of Vohemar and moved along the east coast, all the way to Tolagnaro (Fort- Dauphin), in
successive stages. These northeast-to-southeast migrations by an Islamic population left some artifacts, both in the soil and in the
people’s minds. They manufactured many chlorite schist containers and spread Muslim ideology. The longer-lasting results of their
influence were mainly writing and astrology. These groups gave rise to the main reigning dynasties from Vohemar to Tolagnaro (Fort
Dauphin), through Sainte-Marie, Toamasina, Mananjary and Vohipeno
The distribution of chlorite schist artifacts is physical evidence of this migration. This type of container has been found in most
archaeological sites on the east coast. Archaeological work conducted during Ambatovy’s construction phase gave further evidence
that these people eventually moved inland.
