Thulamela was the capital of an African Kingdom that rose to prominence in the mid-second millennium AD and lasted for several decades. It is well-cited both academically and publicly, it features in many discussions about African history, and is an example of Africa’s intercontinental connectivity. Despite its global prominence, we know very little of the site, and research carried out in the early to mid-1990s is incomplete and under published. As a result, our knowledge of Thulamela is largely assumed and based on published scraps of information and interest in the capital’s human burials and gold remains. Making matters worse, many of the finds made at the site, including the golden items, have been stolen. As a result, we are left with only an archive of research and few physical remains.

In this presentation, Tim will summarise the work that has been carried out at this site and discuss several of the key findings. He says he will highlight some of what we do not know of Thulamela, which is often concealed by assumptions and comparisons made without robust evidence. Throughout the talk he will present ongoing work in the region, as well as some results from an initial foray into researching this important African kingdom.


Stone walls at Thulamela


Tom Forssman and some of his field team on site at Thulamela

YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/9x3OcxHZbE8