The historical background of the old Mamburui town could be rewritten following landmark discoveries of evidence that dates back to over 1400 years ago. The evidence opposes earlier records that indicated that the old town existed over 200 years ago. Chinese and Kenyan archaeologists undertaking excavation work in the second phase of the Sh200 million research project said the town is believed to be one of the areas where traders from China settled and trade with Kenya.

The experts are currently excavating Mamburui, and two other sites in Malindi, the Chief's office and behind the Malindi Museum, to trace old trade ties between Kenya and China. Their activities have begun attracting locals and tourists following the major discoveries. The sites were selected at random by the experts following signs that the areas could have had settlers.

The materials discovered include settlement areas and old buildings that date back to over 1400 years ago,a proof that there people who settled in the area centuriesago. At the chief's, the experts discovered 15 mammalian like skeletons that are believed to have been buried in a mass grave.Jambo Haro, the Coast Head of Archaeology in the National Museums of Kenya, said they suspect the skeletons could be victims of war because they recovered a cartridge in the surface where the bodies laid.

Haro is leading the team comprising two Kenyans and 15 Chinese. "We suspect these be victims of a disaster because of the layer of sand and mass grave they were burried in. They might have been killed during war ," Haro said. He said some of the skeletons had fractures in the head, limbs, hands and legs. They could not, however, prove immediately if they are of humans or not.He said they have also discovered a coin with five corners in a site opposite the Malindi Museum.

They suspect the coin could be from Egypt.The discoveries will be subjected to analysis to determine what kind of people existed. "The information we are getting will really help us in rewriting the history of Malindi and Mamburui so as to enable the public and the world know their historical backgrounds which is a very important cultural heritage," he said. The skeletons will be covered after the analysis.Haro said they are yet to find links to the Chinese in the sites.