Tag Archives: ancient history

Through the eyes of South Africa you wouldn’t expect anything less different other than what you see or hear when you explore this country. The Ancient History behind this country for myself is very much gratifying to learn more about.  This section of South Africa allows one to climb the most ancient rocks on earth, walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs, and discover the very emergence of humankind. During the pre-colonial period of Southern Africa’s history, the first rocks were formed around four billion years ago that cooled the earth that laid the foundation for South Africa. Amongst the oldest are found along the Greenstone Belt stretching from northern KwaZulu-Natal to the Soutpansberg Mountains in Limpopo Province. It was about two billion years ago that in this part of the country that a massive meteorite hit what is now known as the Vredefort Dome, a World heritage site near the free state town of Parys. Thankfully this was not the end of the cataclysmic ancient history of South Africa.

South Africa has ties to one particular kingdom. This kingdom is know as the Zulu Kingdom. At the end of the 18th century, all over the south part Africa small tribal groups were combining into larger communities. This was by no means a peaceful process, but the result of protracted wars. The rise of the Zulu Kingdom falls into this crutical period. Through amazing atrocities and cruelties the infamous Zulu warrior Shaka gained control over a number of Zulu clans. He expanded his territory systematically. Shaka’s warriors raided Zulu villages and burnt them down. South African women and children were gored to death and South African young men were called up and chiefs tortured and forced into allegiance.

Shaka is the son of Zulu chief Senzangakhona and the young girl by the name of Nandi, a member of the Langeni clan. As a young man when Shaka joined the army of Dingiswayo he soon became their highest commander and ruler. With the support of Dingiswayo he gained supremacy over the Zulu clan, enforcing his claimagainst his opponents with the most ferocious brutality. Under Shaka the Zulu territory expanded greatly. All the clans had to subject themselves to the one leader. At the beginning of the 19th century, Shaka had created the most powerful empire in the whole of southern Africa and was king of the Zulu nation.

Religion plays an important part to millions of people’s lives across the world, thousands of African people are converted to Christianity every day and many practice faith through prayer and worship. South Africa is called the rainbow nation because of its variety of people, cultures and religions. The people follow many spiritual traditions and religious faiths. In South Africa the constitution protects freedom of religion. Everyone is free to follow whatever faith they want to, or not to follow one at all. In South Africa, more than 70 percent of the maize crop consists of genetically modified produce. This is a clear indication that the technology provides benefits for farmers.

One fascinating part of South Africa’s ancient history I found interesting was the Stone Age period. Hominids began to manufacture stone tools about 2.5 million years ago, beginning the Earlier Stone Age. Flakes were a perfect example at the core of Stone Age. They were used for such activities as cutting meat and skinning animals. So far as I have looked more closely at South Africa’s ancient history there is a lot thats said and done that no one can replace or touch the rich history South Africa has to offer that I was personally captivated by and coming from my cultural background i’m more eager than ever before.

Source : www.krugerpark.co.za/early-stone-age-kruger-national-park.html