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Border Cave

cave, Eswatini–South Africa

Quick Summary

Border Cave, located on the border of Eswatini and South Africa, is a significant archaeological site that provides insights into early human development. Fossils found here, dating back approximately 90,000 years, are associated with the Middle Stone Age and are considered among the earliest evidence of anatomically modern humans, Homo sapiens.12

The Middle Stone Age in Southern Africa, roughly from 150,000 to 30,000 years ago, saw a shift from earlier hand axes to more refined stone flakes and blades used for tools like scrapers and spear points. Early humans at this time hunted various animals, utilized marine resources, and collected ostrich eggs. The controlled use of fire also allowed for greater mobility and settlement in caves. Border Cave, along with sites like Klasies River Mouth, contributes crucial data to understanding human evolution and technological innovation in the region.21

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