Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East
Late Medieval (1400-1700 CE)·Thulamela·🇿🇦 Limpopo, Kruger, South Africa
About
About Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East
Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East 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 citadel 10 × 4 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at -22.4419N 31.2194E 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
- 01Nature of burial rites and population
- 02Landscape function
Theories
- 01Ancestral burial reuse over centuries
- 02Astronomical alignment hypothesis
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
- Partially excavated
c. 1500 CE
Initial construction of Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East main structure
c. 1273 CE
Secondary occupation / refurbishment at Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East
1978–2012
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
22.4419° S · 31.2194° E · 369 m · 3 mapped features
Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — Main Ancient-City Feature
rock artPrimary rock art at Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — central chambered cairn with stratified deposits
22.4402° S · 31.2175° EThulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — Secondary Enclosure
hydraulicAncillary hydraulic at Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — enclosure wall with stratified deposits
22.4419° S · 31.2196° EThulamela Stone Citadel Annex East — Outlier Rock Art Panel
necropolisOutlier necropolis panel linked to Thulamela Stone Citadel Annex East ceremonial landscape
22.4432° S · 31.2197° E