Oldest ancient sites in Africa

Founding dates in Egypt are dates of reigns rather than layers you can see. Memphis heads the list at c. 3100 BC, the traditional foundation by Menes, but what survives at Mit Rahina is a colossus of Ramesses II and an alabaster sphinx from much later. The pyramids give firmer dates: the Step Pyramid at Saqqara c. 2670 BC, the Dahshur and Meidum pyramids of Sneferu's time c. 2600 BC, Giza c. 2560 BC. Outside Egypt, the 814 BC given for Carthage is a legendary date, and the ruins on show are mostly Roman.