Surame

Surame lies in the Kebbi region of northwestern Hausaland. Its archaeological remains preserve traces of a fortified capital: walls and enclosed spaces show the organisation and labour needed to build a political centre in a competitive landscape.

In the sixteenth century, Kebbi became a significant power under Kanta, and Surame served as its capital. Its remains provide evidence of the resources that rulers could mobilise and offer a window into Kebbi's early political centre. Relations with neighbouring Hausa powers and the Songhay world changed over time, as did the location of political centres and the regional balance of power.