Border Cave, Archaeological rock shelter in Lebombo Mountains, South Africa
Border Cave is a rock shelter in the Lebombo Mountains that extends approximately 100 meters below the ridge line, holding layered deposits of ancient habitation. The shelter is formed within Jurassic rock formations and preserves successive settlements across different time periods.
Excavations since 1934 have uncovered human remains and artifacts reaching back 250,000 years, documenting the progression from the Middle Stone Age through the Iron Age. This record represents one of the longest continuous archaeological sequences in southern Africa.
The shelter contains remains of stone tools and hunting implements that show how people lived and worked in this place long ago. These discoveries reveal the skills and daily practices of the inhabitants who called this location home.
The site lies in the mountains and is accessible on foot, though the terrain is rocky and winding paths require some physical preparation. Visiting during drier months makes conditions more manageable and clearer for exploring the area.
Researchers at this location use advanced techniques such as carbon dating and electron spin resonance to analyze the layers of deposits. These methods help determine with precision when people inhabited the site and what activities they engaged in.
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