What are the most important facts about Mapungubwe

History

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Mapungubwe was a pre-colonial African state that flourished between the 11th and 13th centuries CE in what is now South Africa.

Here are the most important facts:

  • Location: It was located in the confluence of the Shashe and Limpopo rivers, a strategic position for trade.
  • Social Structure: Mapungubwe had a complex social hierarchy, with a clear division between rulers and commoners. The royal elite lived on Mapungubwe Hill, a sacred site.
  • Trade: The kingdom was a major trading center, involved in long-distance trade networks. They traded gold and ivory for glass beads and other goods from as far away as India and China.
  • Art and Artifacts: Excavations have revealed sophisticated gold artifacts, most famously the golden rhinoceros, as well as pottery and other items, showcasing advanced craftsmanship.
  • Decline: The reasons for its decline are debated but likely include environmental changes and shifts in trade routes, leading to the eventual abandonment of the capital.
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