A summary of the history of exploration at the Sterkfontein Caves in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site

Sterkfontein Caves, part of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, have yielded significant hominin fossils over more than a century. The caves' exploration is divided into three phases: 1895–1935, marked by unsystematic fossil recovery during limestone mining; 1936–1966, led by Robert Broom and John Robinson, which involved systematic excavations yielding numerous hominin fossils, stone artifacts, and initial mapping of deposits; and 1966 to present, characterized by extensive excavations led by Philip Tobias, Alun Hughes, Tim Partridge, Ron Clarke, Kathy Kuman, and Dominic Stratford. This phase recognized and characterized the six members of Sterkfontein deposits, recovered additional fossils and artifacts, and conducted in-depth analysis of fauna and paleoenvironments. Significant geochronological work has also been undertaken to date the complex stratigraphy.

Thackeray, J. F. (2020). A summary of the history of exploration at the Sterkfontein Caves in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. Hominin Postcranial Remains from Sterkfontein, South Africa, 1936-1995, 3–7. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780197507667.003.0001