Firstly, About Africa
Africa is, as we are constantly discovering, has a crucial place in the history of the world. This continent holds the oldest known evidence of life for humans, with fossils dated over 300,000 years ago. The earliest sign of life is traced back here. This is the center that all threads lead to.
Cradle of Humankind
The Cradle of Humankind is found here in South Africa. It holds incredibly valuable information about human evolution – with pieces of evidence ranging from fossils and tools. Mrs Ples, one of these fossils and one of the most perfect skulls of a pre-human was found here at the Cradle. A species known as the Australopithecus Africanus – a near-ape man, from who we are believed to have evolved. Most of these fossils are available on display to the public – a mind-blowing scene.
Geo-Trail
We have already spoken about the Geo-Trail in South Africa in another blog, a landmark that tells the story of how this rock became earth, and how our continents formed. There is wonderful evidence of the transition with rock formations holding physical records of volcanic activity. Did you know that there is a type of rock in the area – the oldest rock in the world, that was responsible for the first signs of life on earth? Go on and give it a read here – I guarantee you’ll love it!
Africa is littered with these wonderful landmarks. A footprint to remind us of a time before, secrets for us to discover and stories to tell. And we love to tell stories.
Vredefort Dome
Did you know that South Africa has the world’s oldest meteorite scar in the world? It is quite epic…
The Vredefort Dome, named after the town closest to its centre, is located along the Vaal River in the Free State region. This “astrobleme” dates back just over two thousand million years. Not only is this the world’s oldest, but also the largest, with a radius standing of 190km!
The crater is surrounded by multiple ring-like patterns that show just how huge this impact was and gives evidence to something greater…
A meteor strike of this scale shows witness to the largest known single energy release event in the entire world which is believed to have caused phenomenal global and evolutionary changes. As we mentioned, this crater is surrounded by multiple ring structures of shatter cones and rock formations displaying the shock created on impact.
Dinosaur Fossils
There is a region in the western cape of South Africa called the Karoo that is responsible for 80% of the mammalian fossils recorded to date. This incredible discovery of more than 26 000 fossils of mammal-like reptiles have been unearthed in the area, many of which may be seen along the Fossil Trail in the heart of the Karoo. Among these discoveries, fossils of those belonging to the Gorgoniopsia, and the Inostrancevia, a bear-like animal with sabre teeth! These two are among the largest carnivores of the Permian period!
The point is, we have plenty of stories to tell. We have a mind-blowing history, and evidence to prove it ever existed.
