The Kingdom of Mapungubwe: Southern Africa’s First Gold and Trade Empire

The Kingdom of Mapungubwe (pronounced /mɑːˈpuːnɡuːbweɪ/ mah-POON-goob-weh) was an ancient state situated at the confluence of the Shashe and Limpopo rivers in South Africa, just south of Great Zimbabwe. By 1250, the capital’s population had reached approximately 5,000, and the Read More …

The Golden Rhinoceros of Mapungubwe: South Africa’s Ancient Symbol of Royalty

The golden rhinoceros of Mapungubwe is a medieval artifact, made from wood which is covered in thin sheets of gold, from the medieval Kingdom of Mapungubwe, which is located in modern-day South Africa. It was found on a royal grave Read More …