Great Zimbabwe, a monumental city constructed between the 11th and 14th centuries, spans 722 hectares in the southern region of modern Zimbabwe. This ancient site is famed for its intricate drainage system, which remarkably still functions, channeling water away from the houses and enclosures into the valleys.
Architectural Splendor
The city’s buildings boast impressive granite walls adorned with turrets, towers, decorations, and intricately sculpted stairways. The most renowned structure, an enclosure with a circumference of 250 meters and a height of 9.75 meters, was constructed with 900,000 expertly cut granite blocks, meticulously stacked without any binding materials. The perimeter columns were embellished with soapstone sculptures depicting a bird with human lips and five-fingered feet.
A Bustling Capital
At its zenith, Great Zimbabwe was home to an estimated 18,000 people, serving as the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe. Approximately 200 to 300 elite members resided within the massive stone buildings, guarded by sentinels on the walls, while the majority of the population lived at a distance.
The Plundering of Great Zimbabwe
Today, the ruins of Great Zimbabwe stand as a testament to the past, though much diminished by the extensive looting by European treasure hunters at the turn of the 20th century. These adventurers sought artifacts that were eventually dispersed to museums across Europe, America, and South Africa.
The Myths and Theories
Great Zimbabwe was once speculated to be an African replica of the Queen of Sheba’s palace in Jerusalem. This theory was popularized by German explorer Karl Mauch, who visited the site in 1871 and doubted that indigenous Africans could have constructed such an extensive network of monuments. Mauch famously declared, “I do not think that I am far wrong if I suppose that the ruin on the hill is a copy of Solomon’s Temple on Mount Moriah, and the building in the plain a copy of the palace where the Queen of Sheba lived during her visit to Solomon.”
Mauch’s implications were racially charged, as he suggested that only a “civilized nation” could have built the structures. Other European writers proposed alternative origins, crediting Portuguese travelers, Arabs, Chinese, Persians, or a southern African tribe with ancient Jewish heritage, the Lemba.
Local Legends
Adding to the mystery, local indigenous people believed that the site was built by demons or aliens, impressed by the grandeur and precision of the workmanship.
Conclusion
The history of Great Zimbabwe is a rich tapestry of architectural brilliance, cultural significance, and controversial theories. Despite the plundering and misconceptions, the ruins of Great Zimbabwe remain a powerful symbol of Africa’s historical and cultural legacy. This ancient city continues to captivate historians, archaeologists, and visitors, who marvel at its enduring mysteries and magnificent construction.
Suggested Reading
- Book: “Great Zimbabwe: The History and Legacy of the Medieval Kingdom of Zimbabwe” by Charles River Editors
- Article: “The Mysteries of Great Zimbabwe” – National Geographic
- Documentary: “Secrets of the Dead: Lost City of Great Zimbabwe” – PBS
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