Over a thousand years ago, new groups of people moved into southern Africa. These people herded animals and began farming the land. Centuries later, they learned about precious metals, like gold, and built powerful kingdoms.
Mapungubwe (c.1000–1300 CE)
In 11th century Africa, the first southern capital was built where the Shashe and Limpopo rivers met. It was the capital of Mapungubwe and home to about 5,000 people. The rivers connected Mapungubwe to the major African trade routes. The rivers also connected it to the trade routes that crisscrossed the Indian Ocean. The Bantu-speaking peoples of this kingdom herded cattle, hunted, farmed, and traded. Mapungubwe had plenty to trade: it was rich in gold and ivory. These precious resources bought more than just goods from India and China; they bought Mapungubwe fame and power. Its people built great stone walls, and its royal rulers grew wealthy and important. These rulers separated themselves from the common people and claimed the hilltop as their home. One of the treasures uncovered at this hill was a small, golden rhinoceros. Today, this object is an important reminder of the earliest known South African kingdom.
Thulamela (c. 1240–1700 CE)
The people of Great Zimbabwe began to move south to make a new home in Thulamela. They used their stonework skills to build the king’s palace. It was big enough to house 1,000 nobles, and it was made of stones stacked perfectly without mortar. The people also brought their knowledge of gold to their new home. Gold became the heartbeat of trade in Thulamela. The people exchanged it for glass beads, beautiful pottery, and more. Archaeologists have even discovered a piece of Chinese porcelain at the site, which suggests the kingdom traded with Asia. They also found two skeletons: a man and a woman, both buried with gold beads. Archaeologists believe these people were important to Thulamela, so they called the man “King Ingwe” and the woman “Queen Losha.” Today, the remains of this walled kingdom rest in Kruger National Park.
Witwatersrand
The gold trade was very important to South Africa’s earliest kingdoms. The precious metal would become a significant part of the country’s history again in 1886. That year, gold was uncovered in Witwatersrand, a rocky ridge rich with gold deposits.
The South African gold rush began, and mining companies were set up near Witwatersrand. The city of Johannesburg has a history that dates back to this period. Thousands of people came to the area to mine gold. Workers flocked from Africa, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Within 10 years, Johannesburg would grow into South Africa’s largest city. Gold would have a huge impact on South Africa’s economy, allowing it to develop other industries. Today, scientists estimate that at least 40 percent of the gold mined from Earth comes from the famous ridge.