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South Africa

Motsetsi

Breccia-filled dolomitic fossil cave site

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

About

Motsetsi Cave, a significant fossil-bearing site in South Africa, features breccia-filled dolomitic caves that formed in a geological fault. Despite extensive excavations since its discovery in 1999, no hominid fossils have been found, but numerous well-preserved animal fossils, including Dinofelis, have been recovered. The site's deposits date back approximately 1.0 to 1.6 million years, placing it in the Lower Paleolithic period. This site contributes valuable information about early animal life in the region and helps to build a broader understanding of the prehistoric ecosystems. As a declared South African National Heritage Site, it holds considerable archaeological significance for studying the ancient past.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Motsetsi

FileMrs_Ples.jpg
FileStudents_at_Motsetse.jpg

Archaeological Features

Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Caves

Environmental and Natural Features

Rock Shelters

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
South Africa
Source
Wikipedia