Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — Northern Annex
Late Medieval (1400-1700 CE)·Thulamela·🇿🇦 Limpopo, Kruger, South Africa
About
About Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — Northern Annex
Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — Northern Annex in Limpopo, Kruger, South Africa is a Late Medieval (1400-1700 CE) ancient city attributed to Thulamela. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal platform 9 × 5 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at -22.4240N 31.2055E controls access to Limpopo, Kruger resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey ancient-city for Limpopo, Kruger, illustrating Thulamela construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Tribal capital and ritual aggregation
- 02Seasonal gathering locus
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. 1500 CE
- Period
- Late Medieval (1400-1700 CE)
- Culture
- Thulamela
- Purpose
- Fortified settlement and ceremonial centre controlling regional exchange
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 1500 CE
Initial construction of Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — Northern Annex main structure
c. 1113 CE
Secondary occupation / refurbishment at Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — Northern Annex
19th–20th century
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — Northern Annex) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
22.4240° S · 31.2055° E · 368 m · 4 mapped features
Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — Northern Annex — Main Ancient-City Feature
hydraulicPrimary hydraulic at Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — Northern Annex — burial gallery with stratified deposits
22.4228° S · 31.2068° EThulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — Northern Annex — Secondary Enclosure
necropolisAncillary necropolis at Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — Northern Annex — platform mound with stratified deposits
22.4230° S · 31.2055° EThulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — Northern Annex — Outlier Rock Art Panel
templeOutlier temple panel linked to Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — Northern Annex ceremonial landscape
22.4229° S · 31.2069° EThulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — Northern Annex — Hydraulic/Cistern Annex
chamberHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir at Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — Northern Annex with plastered basin
22.4221° S · 31.2048° E