Natal Early Iron Age

A South African province of Natal which has traces of the furthest southeastern extension of the Early Iron Age complex of sub-Saharan Africa, which has been linked with the dispersal of peoples speaking Bantu languages. Evidence for Early Iron Age settlement is found in the fertile areas of the lower river valleys and dates from about the 4th century AD. Closely related sites are known from the Transvaal, as at Broederstroom and Lydenburg.

The South African province of Natal has revealed traces of the furthest southeastern extension of the Early Iron Age complex of sub-Saharan Africa, which has been linked provisionally with the dispersal of peoples speaking Bantu languages. In Natal, evidence for Early Iron Age settlement is found in the fertile areas of the lower river valleys and dates from about the 4th century ad. It appears that the quality of available grazing land may have been an important factor in the location of settlements. Closely related sites are known from the Transvaal, as at Broederstroom and Lydenburg.