Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa
Location: Multiple Sites South Africa
Year of Inscription: 1999
Criteria: (iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared; (vi) to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa is a series of several archaeological sites located in different provinces of South Africa that have provided important evidence about the evolution of humans. These sites contain fossils and artifacts that date back millions of years, and have contributed significantly to our understanding of human ancestry and the development of human culture.
Prominent Features: The Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa consist of several different sites, each of which has contributed important information to the study of human evolution. Some of the most prominent features of these sites include:
History: The Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa have been the subject of scientific study for over a century, and have provided some of the most important evidence about human evolution. The sites have yielded numerous fossils and artifacts that date back millions of years, and have contributed significantly to our understanding of the development of human culture.
Fun Fact: The Taung Skull Fossil Site was discovered by a quarry worker in 1924, who recognized the significance of the fossil and brought it to the attention of a local schoolteacher. This discovery provided the first evidence that hominids had lived in Africa much earlier than previously thought.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can visit the Maropeng Visitor Centre in the Cradle of Humankind to learn about human evolution and see the fossils and artifacts that have been discovered in the area.
Entry Fees: The entry fees for the different sites vary. For example, the entry fee for the Sterkfontein Caves is 200 ZAR (approximately 14 USD) for adults and 100 ZAR (approximately 7 USD) for children.
How to Reach It: The Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa are located in different provinces, so transportation options will depend on which site(s) you are visiting. However, most of the sites are located within a few hours' drive of Johannesburg or Pretoria, and can be accessed by car or tour bus. Some of the sites, such as the Sterkfontein Caves, can also be reached by public transportation.
Where to Stay: There are several hotels, guesthouses, and lodges located near the Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa, including the Maropeng Boutique Hotel, the Sterkfontein Heritage Lodge, and the Cradle Boutique Hotel.
Next Stop: Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape
Year of Inscription: 1999
Criteria: (iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared; (vi) to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa is a series of several archaeological sites located in different provinces of South Africa that have provided important evidence about the evolution of humans. These sites contain fossils and artifacts that date back millions of years, and have contributed significantly to our understanding of human ancestry and the development of human culture.
Prominent Features: The Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa consist of several different sites, each of which has contributed important information to the study of human evolution. Some of the most prominent features of these sites include:
- The Taung Skull Fossil Site: This site in the North West Province of South Africa contains the fossilized skull of a young Australopithecus africanus, a hominid that lived around 2.5 million years ago.
- The Sterkfontein Caves: Located in the Gauteng Province, these caves contain some of the earliest known evidence of hominids, including fossils that are more than 4 million years old. They have also yielded numerous artifacts and tools that date back to the Stone Age.
- The Cradle of Humankind: This area in Gauteng Province contains several different sites that have yielded important fossil finds, including the Sterkfontein Caves and the Swartkrans Cave. The Cradle of Humankind is also home to the Maropeng Visitor Centre, which provides visitors with an interactive educational experience about human evolution.
History: The Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa have been the subject of scientific study for over a century, and have provided some of the most important evidence about human evolution. The sites have yielded numerous fossils and artifacts that date back millions of years, and have contributed significantly to our understanding of the development of human culture.
Fun Fact: The Taung Skull Fossil Site was discovered by a quarry worker in 1924, who recognized the significance of the fossil and brought it to the attention of a local schoolteacher. This discovery provided the first evidence that hominids had lived in Africa much earlier than previously thought.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can visit the Maropeng Visitor Centre in the Cradle of Humankind to learn about human evolution and see the fossils and artifacts that have been discovered in the area.
Entry Fees: The entry fees for the different sites vary. For example, the entry fee for the Sterkfontein Caves is 200 ZAR (approximately 14 USD) for adults and 100 ZAR (approximately 7 USD) for children.
How to Reach It: The Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa are located in different provinces, so transportation options will depend on which site(s) you are visiting. However, most of the sites are located within a few hours' drive of Johannesburg or Pretoria, and can be accessed by car or tour bus. Some of the sites, such as the Sterkfontein Caves, can also be reached by public transportation.
Where to Stay: There are several hotels, guesthouses, and lodges located near the Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa, including the Maropeng Boutique Hotel, the Sterkfontein Heritage Lodge, and the Cradle Boutique Hotel.
Next Stop: Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape