The site

The Kingdom of Mapungubwe was a city and royal seat in what is now South Africa, flourishing from around 1075 to 1220 CE. As southern Africa's first major state, it centred on a hilltop palace where its rulers held sway over a wide trading realm. Mapungubwe stands as a landmark of African statecraft, its elevated court marking the emergence of powerful kingdoms in the region.

Field notes

civilizations

Mapungubwe

types

City · Palace

built

1,075 CE

occupied

1,075 CE — 1,220 CE

country

South Africa