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Tswapong Hills (#)

Property names are listed in the language in which they have been submitted by the State Party.

Botswana (Africa)

Date of Submission: 21/07/1999
Criteria: (ii)(iii)(vi)
Category: Cultural
Submission prepared by:
Ministry of Home Affairs
Coordinates:
27°17'20" E / 22°37'30" S Northern End of Bwapong Hills, Central District Botswana
Ref.: 1341

Description

Old Palapye, originally known as Phalatswe, served as the capital of the Ngwato state from 1889, following their move from Shoshong (1780''s - 1889), to 1902 when the capital was relocated once again to serowe. Old Palapye was occupied by BaNgwato under the Ieadership of King Khama III (C 1875 - 1923). Khama III was a man of considerable political vision, and is generally held to have been the driving force behind the expansion of BaNgwato power and political authority during the last quarter of the 19th century.



The archaeological remains at the site extend over an area of 1300 hectares, and most of the visible remains include rectangular stone or brick-built structures, house foundations, remains of storage facilities (granaries) and grave-yards.