Archaeological research and the management of archaeological heritage are interconnected yet serve different functions. The primary goal of archaeological research is to acquire knowledge about historical events through exploration and analysis. At Mapung

Archaeological research and the preservation of archaeological heritage are closely linked but have distinct purposes. The main aim of archaeological research is to enhance our understanding of historical events through investigation and analysis. In the case of Mapungubwe, excavations that started in the 1930s revealed the existence of a complex African Kingdom. Archaeologists uncovered elite burial sites, imported trade goods, and the famous Golden Rhino, which provided valuable insights into social hierarchies, power dynamics, and international trade relations. At Mapungubwe, researchers focused on answering various questions about these historical findings.