Sembel, located in the capital of Asmara, Maekel Region of Eritrea, is East Africa's oldest archaeological site, dated back to as early as 800 BCE.

Immediately after the Eritrean War of Independence, a large government subsidized housing project was constructed in the area.

The excavations at Sembel found evidence of an ancient pre-Aksumite civilization in greater Asmara.

This Ona urban culture is believed to have been among the earliest pastoral and agricultural communities in the Horn region.

In a tomb in Thebes dated to the reign of Pharaoh Amenophis II (Amenhotep II), long-necked pots similar to those made by the Ona people are depicted as part of the cargo in a ship from Punt.