Who built Great Zimbabwe? And why? - Breeanna Elliott

Summary

Great Zimbabwe, a medieval stone city in southern Africa, was a major African trade center from the 14th to 15th centuries. Known for its impressive stone walls and rich history, it was a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1986. The city's prosperity was fueled by gold, ivory, and copper trade, with a diverse population. Archaeological findings suggest its decline due to overcrowding and soil depletion. Historically, its African origins were disputed during colonization but are now celebrated, symbolizing national pride in Zimbabwe.

Takeaways

• 🏰 Great Zimbabwe is a medieval stone city located in present-day Zimbabwe, known for its large stone walls and historical significance.
• 🌍 It is the largest known settlement ruins in Sub-Saharan Africa, second only to the pyramids of Egypt in size on the African continent.
• 🏛️ The city's name, derived from the Shona word 'madzimbabwe', translates to 'big house of stone', reflecting its impressive stone architecture.
• 🗓️ Great Zimbabwe was a thriving city during the 14th and 15th centuries, with a population of 18,000 at its peak and a key player in the African trade network.
• 🔄 The city was part of the Indian Ocean trade routes, controlling the trade of valuable commodities like gold, ivory, and copper.
• 🌐 It had a significant Arab and Indian trader presence due to its mercantile power and was connected to several key city-states along the East African Swahili Coast.
• 🗺️ Archaeological findings include artifacts from Asia and coins from Kilwa Kisiwani, indicating the city's far-reaching trade connections.
• 🕊️ Soapstone bird figures found on site are believed to represent the city's rulers, and the discovery of young calf bones near the royal residence suggests a diet of the elite.
• 📉 The city's decline is theorized to be due to overcrowding, sanitation issues, and soil depletion, leading to the eventual dispersion of its population.
• 🏛️ Despite colonial attempts to discredit its African origins, overwhelming evidence supports that Great Zimbabwe was built by indigenous African peoples.
• 🏁 Today, Great Zimbabwe is a symbol of national pride and cultural value in Zimbabwe, featured on the national flag by a soapstone bird.

Q & A

Where is Great Zimbabwe located?

Great Zimbabwe is located in the present-day country of Zimbabwe, in southern Africa.

What is the significance of Great Zimbabwe's name?

The name 'Great Zimbabwe' comes from the Shona word 'madzimbabwe', meaning 'big house of stone', reflecting its large, unscalable stone walls.

Why was Great Zimbabwe named a UNESCO World Heritage site?

Great Zimbabwe was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986 due to its grandeur and historical significance.

What were the three main areas of Great Zimbabwe?

The three main areas of Great Zimbabwe were the Hill Complex, where the king lived; the Great Enclosure, reserved for members of the royal family; and the Valley Complex, where regular citizens lived.

How did Great Zimbabwe become a major African trade center?

Great Zimbabwe became a major African trade center due to its influential role in an intercontinental trade network, controlling the sources and trade of gold, ivory, and copper.

What artifacts have been discovered at Great Zimbabwe that indicate its trade connections?

Artifacts discovered at Great Zimbabwe include pottery shards and glassworks from Asia, coins from the coastal trading city of Kilwa Kisiwani, and soapstone bird figures.

What theories have been proposed for the decline of Great Zimbabwe?

Theories for the decline of Great Zimbabwe include overcrowding, sanitation issues, and soil depletion triggered by overuse, leading to a decrease in agricultural productivity and worsening living conditions.

How did European colonization impact the understanding of Great Zimbabwe's origins?

During European colonization, racist colonial officials claimed the ruins couldn't be of African origin and relied on myths to explain the city's magnificence, disputing the idea that it was built by indigenous peoples.

What role did Great Zimbabwe play in the African Nationalist movement?

Great Zimbabwe became an important symbol for the African Nationalist movement during the 1960s and 70s, representing African achievement and heritage.

How is Great Zimbabwe represented on the Zimbabwean flag?

Great Zimbabwe is represented on the Zimbabwean flag by a soapstone bird, symbolizing the city's historical and cultural importance.