Finds here include "Mrs Ples," a nearly complete Australopithecus africanus skull, and "Little Foot," one of the most complete early hominid skeletons ever found. The area's limestone caves preserved these fossils for millions of years, making it one of the richest sites for understanding human origins on the planet.
Source: UNESCO World Heritage Centre
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called the Cradle of Humankind?
The name reflects how many early hominid fossils — some over 2 million years old — have been found in the area's cave systems, making it one of the richest sources of human-origin evidence anywhere in the world.
How old are the oldest fossils found there?
Some finds, including Little Foot, are estimated to be around 3.67 million years old, among the oldest and most complete early hominid skeletons discovered anywhere.