UNESCO World Heritage SiteUNESCO Heritage
Gladysvale Cave
South Africa

Gladysvale Cave

Fossil-rich breccia-filled hominid cave.

Location

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Historical Context

About

Gladysvale Cave is a significant archaeological site located in South Africa, within the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. Known for its fossil-rich breccia deposits, the cave has yielded a substantial amount of paleontological and archaeological material. Key discoveries include fossilized remains of Australopithecus africanus, early Homo species, and an Acheulean handaxe, indicating the presence of early hominids and tool use. The cave's stratigraphy has been meticulously studied, employing various dating techniques that have helped establish a timeline of occupation and environmental conditions. The site's geology and extensive fossil deposits provide valuable insights into the paleoenvironment and evolutionary history of southern Africa.

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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Youngest deposits

54,000 years BCE

Acheulean handaxe deposition

1 million years BCE

Australopithecus africanus fossils

2.4-2.0 million years BCE

External deposits faunal remains

780,000-530,000 BCE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Caves
category

Environmental and Natural Features

Bone Middens
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Reference

Details

Country

South Africa

Coordinates

-25.90° N, 27.75° E