Understand the social structure, unique aspects, and decline of Great Zimbabwe.
Key Points
Location and Time Period: Great Zimbabwe is a ruined city in southeastern Zimbabwe, the former capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe during the Late Iron Age. Construction began in the 11th century and continued until the 15th century.
Historical Flourishing: The city and its state flourished from 1200 to 1500, linked to the decline of Mapungubwe and increased gold availability.
Trade and Economy: Great Zimbabwe was a trading hub with a network reaching as far as China, primarily trading gold and ivory. Artistic and stone masonry traditions were brought from Mapungubwe.
Decline: Suggested causes of decline include reduced trade, exhausted gold mines, political instability, and famine due to climate change.
Successor States: Nyatsimba Mutota from Great Zimbabwe established the Kingdom of Mutapa, which eclipsed Great Zimbabwe by 1450.
Important Terms
Kingdom of Zimbabwe
A medieval kingdom (circa 1220-1450) in modern-day Zimbabwe, with Great Zimbabwe as its capital. It held the largest precolonial stone structure in Southern Africa.
Great Zimbabwe
A ruined city near Lake Mutirikwe and Masvingo, serving as a political power seat and royal palace.
Shona
A Bantu-speaking group in Zimbabwe, creators of empires like the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, Torwa, and Munhumutapa.
Mapungubwe
A pre-colonial state south of Great Zimbabwe, known for gold trade links, preceding the Kingdom of Zimbabwe.
Introduction
Construction and Builders: The identity of the builders is debated, with early records attributing construction to the Lemba, but modern theories suggest the Shona.
Origins and Growth
Construction: Began in the 11th century, creating the second-oldest structures in Southern Africa. The Great Enclosure is a notable edifice.
Population: At its peak, the city housed around 18,000 people, with structures covering 730 hectares.
Economy
Trading Network: Extended to Kilwa Kisiwani and China, centered on gold and ivory trade. Local agricultural trade, especially cattle, was vital.
Social Structure: Archaeological finds suggest significant social stratification.
Kingdom of Zimbabwe
Formation and Influence: Established by migrants from Mapungubwe, reaching its height in state formation during the medieval period.
Art and Architecture: Known for advanced stone masonry, with over 150 subordinate sites paying tribute.
Decline of the State and City
Abandonment: Trade decline, resource depletion, political issues, and climate-induced famines led to abandonment by 1450.
Fragmentation and Successors: Post-decline, power fragmented into the Kingdom of Mutapa in the north and Kingdom of Butua in the south, eventually absorbed by the Rozwi Empire.
Architectural Significance
Complexes: The city has three main complexes: Hill Complex, Valley Complex, and Great Enclosure, each occupied at different times.