uMgungundlovu
Country: South Africa
Region: Africa
Period: 1829-1879
Location: -28.435897°N, 31.267597°E
Description
"uMgungundlovu was the capital of the Zulu Kingdom, located near modern-day Pietermaritzburg. The name means ""Place of the Great Elephant,"" referring to King Shaka Zulu’s establishment of a stronghold. The site was the administrative heart of the kingdom under King Dingane and later Cetshwayo, marked by its historic role in the military and political affairs of the Zulu people."
Modern Remains
Today, uMgungundlovu is a heritage site located near Pietermaritzburg. Visitors can explore the Zulu King's royal residence ruins and military structures that date back to the kingdom’s heyday. The site is marked by interpretive displays about the Zulu royal history and the Anglo-Zulu War, providing visitors a deep insight into this significant period of South African history.