MAPUNGUBWE

THE name of the ancient city of Mapungubwe means “hill of the jackal”. It was situated on South Africa’s modern-day northern border with Zimbabwe and Botswana. About a thousand years ago Mapungubwe was the centre of the largest kingdom in Southern Africa. Its inhabitants developed a civilisation that was far advanced for its time.

Mapungubwe’s golden age was between 1200 and 1300. SWealth The city had about 5 000 prosperous inhabitants. They kept cattle, sheep, goats and dogs. Some of them were farmers who grew millet, sorghum and cotton.

The settlement was built at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers so the people had access to enough water to meet their needs.

The inhabitants mined iron, copper and gold which smiths turned into tools and ornaments. When archaeologists excavated the site of the ancient city they discovered a golden rhinoceros. Today the rhino is still a symbol of leadership among the Shona people. A golden sceptre and bowl were also found during excavations.

These finds show how sophisticated and S Mapungubwe’s flowering came to an end about 700 years ago. Scientists believe this was due to climate change. The area became colder and drier, harvests failed and the people didn’t have enough food for their livestock. They were forced to move northwards to find a more favourable climate. There they settled in various places, of which the most important is Great Zimbabwe. S In 2004 South African National Parks founded the Mapungubwe National Park, which comprises 28 000ha and includes the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape.

The nature reserve is being developed along with reserves in Botswana and Zimbabwe as the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area.

Apart from its cultural heritage, this nature reserve of 4 872km² will contain an extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna.