History-Mapungubwe Flashcards
Where is the city of Mapungubwe located?
The city of Mapungubwe is located in the Limpopo Province, on a farm called Greefswald, near the Limpopo River.
Example sentence: Mapungubwe is situated at the confluence of the Shashe and Limpopo rivers.
What does the name ‘Mapungubwe’ mean?
Mapungubwe means ‘Hill of the Jackal’.
Additional information: The name Mapungubwe comes from the Venda words ‘mapungu’ meaning hill and ‘bwe’ meaning jackal.
Why was Mapungubwe declared a World Heritage Site?
Mapungubwe was declared a World Heritage Site because of its value as an archaeological site that provides insight into humanity’s past.
Additional information: Mapungubwe was declared a World Heritage Site in 2003 by UNESCO.
What were the agricultural activities of the people of Mapungubwe and hat did they farm ?
mining,farming and harvest.Cattle,sheep and goats
Additional information: The people of Mapungubwe were skilled in metalworking and pottery.
What did the people of Mapungubwe trade and who with?
The people of Mapungubwe traded with Arabia, China, and India through the East African harbours, exchanging salt, cattle, fish, gold, ivory, wood, freshwater snail and mussel, and ostrich eggshell beads for glass beads and cloth.
Additional information: Trade routes connected Mapungubwe to the rest of the African continent and beyond.
Who led the people of Mapungubwe and why ?
The people of Mapungubwe were led by the Mambo or king, who was believed to have a special relationship with the ancestors and gods, giving him a sacred right to rule.
Additional information: The king’s authority was reinforced through rituals and ceremonies.
What were the symbols of the Mambo’s authority?
The symbols of the Mambo’s authority were the crocodile and the black rhino.
Additional information: The crocodile and black rhino were symbols of power and protection.
How did the Mambo show his power?
The king decided to show his power by moving away from the rest of the people to the top of the Mapungubwe Hill, where his followers carried thousands of tons of sand to make it level for the king’s huts and the huts of his wives, senior sister/diviner, advisors, healers, and guards.
Additional information: The king’s residence was located on the highest point of the hill, symbolizing his elevated status.
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What were some of the important archaeological discoveries found in Mapungubwe?
Archaeologists found a golden rhinoceros, a golden sceptre, and a golden bowl, all of which were carved out of wood and wrapped in gold foil.
Additional information: These artifacts are considered to be masterpieces of ancient African art.
Who did the people of Mapungubwe trade with and what ?
The people of Mapungubwe traded with Arabia, China, and India through the East African harbours, exchanging salt, cattle, fish, gold, ivory, wood, freshwater snail and mussel, and ostrich eggshell beads for glass beads and cloth.
