Mapungubwe
The kingdom of Mapungubwe and Iron Age societies
The Kingdom of Mapungubwe
Mapungubwe (1075–1220 CE) was a powerful African kingdom in Limpopo province. It was the first class-based society in Southern Africa — the king lived on the hilltop, nobles on slopes, commoners below. They traded gold and ivory with East Africa and Asia.
Example
Evidence of a Great Kingdom
• Gold rhino figurine — symbol of royal power
• Gold beads, bracelets and ornaments
• Pottery and glass beads from trade
• Population: about 5 000 people at its peak
• Farming: cattle, crops
Note
Remember
Mapungubwe shows that African people had complex, wealthy societies before European contact. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It declined around 1300 CE, possibly due to drought.
Key Vocabulary
KingdomA territory ruled by a king or queen
Social classGroups in society with different levels of wealth and power
TradeBuying and selling goods with other groups
ArchaeologicalRelated to studying objects left by people in the past
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Kingdom
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