UNESCO World Heritage SiteUNESCO Heritage
Border Cave
South Africa

Border Cave

Rock shelter with long prehistoric sequence.

Location

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Historical Context

About

Border Cave, located in the western Lebombo Mountains of Kwazulu-Natal, is an archaeological rock shelter known for its extensive prehistoric sequence. The site spans from the Middle Stone Age to the Iron Age, making it one of the longest archaeological records in southern Africa. Key findings include human remains, lithic tools, bone implements, and botanical residues such as ancient grass bedding. These artifacts provide insights into prehistoric hunter-gatherer behavior and the Middle to Later Stone Age transition. Border Cave is pivotal in debates surrounding the origins and evolution of modern humans and cultural adaptations in southern Africa. The site’s rich stratigraphy and diverse assemblage contribute significantly to understanding the region's prehistoric past.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

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Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Transition to Later Stone Age

~44,000–42,000 years BP

Middle Stone Age occupation

~250,000 years BP

Iron Age burial

340 ± 45 years BP

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Burial and Funerary Structures

Graves
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Caves
category

Environmental and Natural Features

Rock Shelters
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Plan Your Visit

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Reference

Details

Country

South Africa

Coordinates

-27.02° N, 31.99° E