description Great Zimbabwe Overview
help Great Zimbabwe FAQ
Who built the Great Zimbabwe ruins?
The city was constructed by the ancestors of the modern-day Shona people during the country's Late Iron Age. It served as the royal palace and political capital for the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, which thrived between the 11th and 15th centuries.
What are the main sections of Great Zimbabwe?
The ruins are divided into three primary architectural areas: the Hill Complex, the Great Enclosure, and the Valley Complex. The Great Enclosure is particularly famous for its massive, conical tower and its 250-meter-long circular wall built entirely without mortar.
How did Great Zimbabwe get its wealth?
Great Zimbabwe grew incredibly wealthy by acting as a major trading hub linking the inland gold and ivory trade to the Swahili coast. Archaeological evidence shows they traded extensively with merchants from as far away as China and Persia, exchanging local resources for ceramics and glass beads.
What does the name "Zimbabwe" mean in relation to the monument?
The name "Zimbabwe" is derived from the Shona phrase "dzimba-dza-mabwe," which translates to "houses of stone." The country was named after this historic monument when it gained independence in 1980.
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