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 Taung fossil site, located in the North West Province of South Africa, is an archaeologically significant location known for the discovery of the Taung Child—a skull of the early hominid species Australopithecus africanus. Found in 1924 within a limestone quarry, the site is characterized by caves formed in a massive tufa flow. The Taung Child discovery was pivotal in understanding human evolution, providing evidence supporting the notion that human ancestors originated in Africa. This finding was instrumental in challenging previous misconceptions, such as those associated with the Piltdown Man. Though the site has been extensively mined, it remains crucial for studying early hominid life and the geological and taphonomic contexts of their habitats.
Gallery
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Archaeological Features
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Domestic and Habitation Structures
Environmental and Natural Features
Historical Timeline
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Plan Your Visit
Details
- Country
- South Africa
- Source
- Wikipedia
More Sites in South Africa
Pinnacle Point
Middle Stone Age caves with symbolic behavior evidence
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Multi-layered Middle and Later Stone Age cave
Cooper's Cave
Fossil-bearing breccia-filled dolomitic caves.
Cango Caves
Extensive limestone cave system with artifacts.