Thulamela — Citadel Ancillary Enclosure (Kruger)
Thulamela Enclosure
Bronze Age to Classical (3000 BCE–500 CE)·Bronze Age urban·🇿🇦 Limpopo, Kruger, Thulamela, South Africa
About
About Thulamela — Citadel Ancillary Enclosure (Kruger)
Thulamela — Citadel Ancillary Enclosure (Kruger) in Limpopo, Kruger, Thulamela, South Africa is a Bronze Age to Classical (3000 BCE–500 CE) ancient city attributed to Bronze Age urban. Systematic survey and magnetometry document radiocarbon sequence. The site includes a principal platform and workshop area. Dimensions city wall circuit 1.2 km; area 18 ha; area unmeasured ha. Excavation partially-excavated; condition partially preserved. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Bronze Age urban ancient-city with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 400 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing
- 02Function and labor organization
Theories
- 01Ritual landscape model
- 02Ceremonial centre
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 2500 BCE
- Period
- Bronze Age to Classical (3000 BCE–500 CE)
- Culture
- Bronze Age urban
- Purpose
- Urban centre with palace and temple precinct
- Rediscovered
- 1993
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 2500 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c. 827 BCE
Major refurbishment / second phase
1922
Modern rediscovery and excavation
c. 1418 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
22.4300° S · 31.2800° E · 400 m · 4 mapped features
Principal Monument
structurePrincipal Monument at Thulamela — Citadel Ancillary Enclosure (Kruger) — structure with stratified deposits
22.4294° S · 31.2813° EAncillary Complex
complexAncillary Complex at Thulamela — Citadel Ancillary Enclosure (Kruger) — complex with stratified deposits
22.4294° S · 31.2804° EOutlier Feature
outlierOutlier Feature at Thulamela — Citadel Ancillary Enclosure (Kruger) — outlier with stratified deposits
22.4321° S · 31.2778° EReservoir/Cistern
hydraulicReservoir/Cistern at Thulamela — Citadel Ancillary Enclosure (Kruger) — hydraulic with stratified deposits
22.4323° S · 31.2791° E