Ziwa
Zimbabwe

Ziwa

Iron Age agricultural settlement with terraces.

Location

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Historical Context

About

Ziwa, located in Nyanga District, Zimbabwe, is a significant archaeological site that offers insight into Late Iron Age agricultural practices. The site is characterized by its extensive stone terraces that contour the hilly terrain, indicative of advanced farming techniques used during the 15th century CE. Additionally, the presence of rock art, iron smelting and forging furnaces, and daub-plastered housing structures reflect the diverse cultural and technological activities of its past inhabitants. Despite being abandoned in the 18th century, the site continued to influence subsequent communities in the area. Ziwa's archaeological richness spans various periods, from the Stone Age to historical times, making it a valuable location for understanding the region's long-term human occupation and agricultural evolution.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

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FileZiwa_enclosure_model.JPG
FileZiwa_enclosure_trees.JPG
FileZiwa_ruins_pitentrance.JPG
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Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Iron Age Settlement

1400 CE

Site Abandonment

1700 CE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Defensive Structures

Hill Forts
category

Industrial and Craft Structures

Furnaces
category

Artistic and Decorative Features

Rock Art
category

Agricultural and Land Use Features

TerracesField Systems
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Houses
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Reference

Details

Country

Zimbabwe

Coordinates

-18.13° N, 32.63° E