Florisbad archaeological and paleontological site
Middle Pleistocene to Holocene artifact-rich mound
Time Periods
Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Time Periods
Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Location
About
The Florisbad archaeological and paleontological site is located in the Free State province of South Africa. It is renowned for the discovery of the Florisbad Skull, a partial skull of a pre-modern human species dating back to the Middle Pleistocene. The site includes a sequence of Quaternary deposits with faunal remains and a variety of lithic assemblages spanning from the Middle Pleistocene to the early Holocene. These assemblages include the Macrolithic industry, the Florisbad Industry, and the Late Stone Age Lockshoek Industry. The site also provides evidence of short-term human occupations during the Middle Stone Age, marked by hearths and faunal remains indicating butchery activities. The stratigraphy of sand and peat layers has allowed for exceptional preservation of organic materials, adding to the site's archaeological significance.
Archaeological Features
Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Miscellaneous Features
Environmental and Natural Features
Food Production and Processing Features
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history
Plan Your Visit
Details
- Country
- South Africa
- Source
- Wikipedia
More Sites in South Africa

Stilbaai Tidal Fish Traps
Ancient intertidal stonewall fish traps
Wonderwerk Cave
Ancient cave with extensive archaeological deposits
Melkhoutboom Cave
Later Stone Age habitation cave in South Africa
Stadsaal Caves
Sandstone caves with San rock art.
Rose Cottage Cave
Multi-layered Middle and Later Stone Age cave

Elands Bay Cave
Archaeological cave site with faunal remains.