Farmers in the eastern Ethiopian city of Harlaa have long found strange objects on their land, including Chinese coins, prompting a local myth that the area was once home to giants.

A team of archaeologists has now uncovered what they believe was an ancient city and trading hub dating as far back as the 10th Century, with artefacts from Egypt, India and China.

Prof Timothy Insoll is one of the archaeologists who made the stunning discovery.

Photo: An archaeologist at work at the site, Credit: Timothy Insoll