Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — Southern Extension
Late Medieval (1400-1700 CE)·Thulamela·🇿🇦 Limpopo, Kruger, South Africa
About
About Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — Southern Extension
Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — Southern Extension 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 3 × 6 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at -22.4382N 31.2056E 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
- 01Scale of population vs agricultural catchment
- 02Ritual vs domestic use
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
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
- Excavation ongoing
c. 1500 CE
Initial construction of Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — Southern Extension main structure
c. 1032 CE
Secondary occupation / refurbishment at Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — Southern Extension
1994–2018
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — Southern Extension) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
22.4382° S · 31.2056° E · 372 m · 3 mapped features
Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — Southern Extension — Main Ancient-City Feature
necropolisPrimary necropolis at Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — Southern Extension — central chambered cairn with stratified deposits
22.4389° S · 31.2051° EThulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — Southern Extension — Secondary Enclosure
templeAncillary temple at Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — Southern Extension — central chambered cairn with stratified deposits
22.4365° S · 31.2049° EThulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — Southern Extension — Outlier Rock Art Panel
chamberOutlier chamber panel linked to Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — Southern Extension ceremonial landscape
22.4382° S · 31.2063° E