Cultural
Brésil

Located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this archaeological site preserves the remains of the Valongo Wharf, a significant maritime infrastructure that operated during the period of the transatlantic slave trade. The site contains evidence of the port's construction and use, including structural remains and artifacts that document this historical commerce. The archaeological layers reveal the wharf's transformation over time, reflecting shifts in Rio's urban development and economic activities. The site's importance lies in its capacity to provide material evidence of the slave trade's operational mechanisms and its impact on colonial Brazilian society. Its designation recognizes the necessity of preserving tangible remains that bear witness to this period of human history. The site represents a place where archaeological investigation contributes to a fuller understanding of Brazil's colonial past and the experiences of enslaved African populations.
