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Mapungubwe is a lost and buried city in South Africa, Africa. UNESCO World Heritage List: Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape dates it to c. 1220-1290 CE. UNESCO World Heritage List: Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape also records: “Royal capital.”
A hilltop capital famous for its golden rhinoceros.



Guide answers and timeline insights related to this Wonder.
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Compare the published evidence and its interpretations. “Consensus” records the mainstream account; “Alternative” identifies a competing interpretation, not an equally established conclusion. Estimates and unresolved questions remain qualified in the claim text.
| Field | Consensus | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Date | 1220 CE - 1290 CE c. 1220-1290 CE UNESCO World Heritage List: Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape | No claims found. |
| Purpose | Royal capital UNESCO World Heritage List: Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape | No claims found. |
| Method | No claims found. | No claims found. |
Calculating elapsed time...
Approximate - counted from January 1, 1,255 CE (UTC). Based on the midpoint of 1,220 CE - 1,290 CE; the underlying date is uncertain.
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Each row is an independent total of the same span, not a breakdown to add together.