Overview:

is a major archaeological site located in the rural town of Gwagwade in Niger State in Nigeria. This tomb dates back almost 2000 years, and is believed to be the tomb of a powerful ruler known as Tsoede. The archaeological site is composed of a large oval mound, encircled by a wall and a ditch, with a small altar in the center. The mound is believed to be Tsoede’s resting place, and it is thought that the altar was used by his subjects for religious ceremonies. Tsoede’s Tomb At Gwagwade is an important archaeological site in Nigeria, as it gives insight into pre-colonial history and provides clues as to the identities of Tsoede and his contemporaries. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Nigeria
Prominent Features:

1. The tomb of the late king of Gwagwade, Atsede (Tsoede) who ruled in the mid 19th century is the main attraction of the site. 2. The large room-like structure is located on a hillside with a large courtyard. 3. The walls of the tomb are made of river stones with adhesive of clay plaster instead of mortar. 4. Inside the tomb, there is an altar where offerings can be made. 5. It is also decorated with relief figures of animals and a stairway sculpture of carvings. 6. The tomb has a series of connected roofed corridors connecting various sections. 7. The compound has three sacred places at the entrances of the tomb, and it has a shower toilet in the building to this day. 8. It is enclosed by a high mud wall which used to be the palace compound of the late king's family. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Nigeria.

History:

The Tomb of Tsoede is located in Gwagwade village, Niger state in Northern Nigeria. It is an important cultural and historical site as it marks the burial site of a legendary figure of the Agwede people in the area. Tsoede was a leader from the 15th century who was reportedly the first of Agwede people to settle in the region. According to local accounts, Tsoede arrived in the region with his family, and followers from Borno. He quickly established himself as a revered leader within the local community, because of his wise counsel and commitment to justice. He was considered the natural leader of the entire community, and even today tribal settlements in the area pay their respects each year in a festival ceremony at Tsoede's grave. The Tomb of Tsoede has long been of great cultural importance to the local Agwede people. It is a unique and important place of worship, and a symbol of traditional values, and reverence for their ancestors. The Tomb of Tsoede is now part of the Bida World Heritage Site, which is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Nigeria. This World Heritage Site was established in 1999 by the United Nation Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and today the Tomb of Tsoede still stands as an important piece of local, regional, and national history. Visit one of the famous monuments of Nigeria with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Tsoede’s Tomb is one of the oldest known sites of human habitation in Nigeria, dating back to around 1,500 BCE. 2. Many believe that the tomb, located in Gwagwade Village, Niger State, was built as a memorial for Tsoede, a major figure in the Yoruba mythology. 3. The tomb is thought to be made of cobble stones, and features intricate carvings of various animals, including snakes and birds. 4. Archeologists have concluded that the tomb was built between 1000-1500 BCE. 5. In 1967, the site was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. 6. Two stone slabs cut from locally produced rocks were found in and around the site in 1995. 7. One of the slabs is believed to be an astronomical calendar, with 16 lunar months and 30 days in each month. 8. Inside the tomb, archeologists have also uncovered human remains belonging to Tsoede and his family. One of the historical monuments of Nigeria, it tells the story of a bygone era