Botswana

Toutswemogala Hill

Iron Age settlement on flat-topped mesa.

Location

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Historical Context

About

Toutswemogala Hill, located in Botswana, is an important archaeological site, showcasing the development of early Iron Age settlements in Southern Africa. This flat-topped mesa served as a significant center for cattle-keeping and agriculture, with its occupation spanning from the 7th century to the late 19th century CE. The site includes domestic structures, large heaps of vitrified cow-dung, and burials, indicating its role as a major hub for animal husbandry. Agricultural practices were also vital, with grain storage structures found on-site. This settlement provides valuable insights into the socio-economic structures of early state formations in the region, highlighting the interplay between agriculture and pastoralism in sustaining long-term human habitation.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Iron Age occupation

700 CE

Toutswe migration and settlement

700 CE

Extended occupation period

late 19th century CE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Animal Husbandry Features

Livestock Enclosures
category

Burial and Funerary Structures

Graves
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Agricultural and Land Use Features

Cattle Pens
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Domestic and Habitation Structures

Houses
Knowledge Base

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Reference

Details

Country

Botswana

Coordinates

-22.23° N, 27.20° E