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Zimbabwe

Great Zimbabwe

Medieval stone city with dry stone constructions

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

Location

About

Great Zimbabwe is a significant archaeological site located in the southeastern hills of modern Zimbabwe, recognized for its massive stone constructions built without mortar. The site was settled by the Gokomere culture by the 4th century CE and developed into a thriving urban center by the 11th century, serving as the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe. At its peak in the 13th century, it housed up to 18,000 people. The city featured impressive defensive walls, palaces, and ceremonial platforms, showcasing advanced dry stone masonry techniques. It was a central hub for trade, connecting with distant regions like China and Persia. The city was abandoned by the 15th century, potentially due to resource depletion and climatic changes.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Great Zimbabwe

FileASC_Leiden_-_Rietveld_Collection_-_East_Africa_1975_-_05_-_037_-_Detail_of_a_Great_Zimbabwe_wall_with_lichen_-_Masvingo_Zimbabwe.jpg
FileAlloes-valley-great-zimbabwe.jpg
FileCefala_Manich_Simbaoe.png

Archaeological Features

Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

Defensive Structures

Defensive WallsFortressesTowers

Water Management Features

WellsReservoirs

Religious and Ritual Structures

Ceremonial Platforms

Artistic and Decorative Features

Monuments

Agricultural and Land Use Features

Cattle Pens

Domestic and Habitation Structures

PalacesCities

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Zimbabwe
Source
Wikipedia