Great Zimbabwe is a medieval city in the south eastern hills of Zimbabwe near lake Mutirikwe and the town of Masvingo. It was the capital of Zimbabwe during the country’s late iron age. Construction of the monument began in the 11th century and continued until the 15th century. It was built by members of the Gokomere culture who are ancestors of the Shona in Zimbabwe. It is also the largest collection of ruins in Africa.
The economic factors that led to rise
- Availability of pastures that led to livestock keeping eg cattle.
- The area had good climate eg high rainfall and good temperatures.
- It was free from tsetse fly so cattle keeping was promoted
- Availability of mineral wealth eg gold,iron and copper
- Iron mining led to iron tools.
- Rich soils led to growing of crops eg maize.
- Large number of wild animals which provided meat.
- Plenty of firewood and timber.
- Area was central to internal and long distance trade.
- External trade brought wealth to Great Zimbabwe.
The political factors that led to rise
- The hilltop was chosen as a defense site in times of war.
- The nearby Nemamwa hill provide defense
- A strong army provide protection- punishing rebels,conquering new areas, tribute collection, raiding, maintaining peace.
- There were powerful and ambitious who began to control other lineages . The ruling class was of the hungwe totem.
- The ruling families demanded tribute from weaker lineages- tribute brought wealth eg minerals.
- Raiding was used to get more wealth.
- Rulers were feared and respected because they were believed to be divine and have divine power. Spirit mediums solved disputes.
- Intermarriage brought unity in the state.
- Great Zimbabwe’s rise was associated with the fall of Mapungubwe state across Limpompo river.
The social factors that led to rise
- Intermarriage brought unity and peace among the families.
- Polygamy brought families together.
- Population began to increase.
- They spoke one language-Karanga.
Reasons why the Great Zimbabwe was built
- It was the King’s palace.
- To control external trade with Arabs.
- For defense- a fortress in times of war.
- Rulers wanted to display wealth and power
- To control cattle movements
- It was religious center to worship Mwari.
- To display culture of Hungwe people.
- The ruling family wanted private life / to separate lives of rich from poor.
Economic organization of the great Zimbabwe
- Hunting
- Fishing
- Mining
- Livestock Keeping
- Trade
- Craftwork
- Tribute payment
- Raiding
- gathering
Social organization of the great Zimbabwe
- Village work(nhimbe) made work easier.
- There were classes of rich and poor. The rulers lived in homes surrounded by stone walls.
- Division of labor based on sex.
- A man was allowed to marry many wives.
- Hoes were used to pay lobola.
- There wore skin clothes.
- Women were exploited.
- loan cattle were given
- Beer was brewed for special occasions.
- Cattle were killed for special occasions like bira.
Political organization of the great Zimbabwe
- Duties of the king eg he was the head of the state, highest judge,religious leader,installed provincial leaders,received tribute,protected external trade,distributed land,he had the right to death.
- Tribute payment was important eg king used goods to reward loyal people,it was a sign of respect and honour to the ruler, a sign of allegiance and loyalty.Tribute was paid in many forms eg grain , minerals etc.
- Mediums solved disputes and installed the king, they gave advice in times of crisis.
- The military brought stability and oder eg conquered new areas, punished rebels etc.
- Loan cattle brought unity
- One language brought unity.
- The king had divine power.
The decline and fall of Great Zimbabwe
1.Economic factors
- Shortage of mineral wealth
- Shortage of salt
- The land became unfertile.The crops died
- Shortage of wild animals
- The shift of the center of trade.
- Firewood became a problem to the people
- Route of trade was changed
2.Social factors
- Disease started to affect people
- Livestock were affected with nagana.
- The population increased abt 10 000 people
- Great Zimbabwe became overpopulated.
3.Political problems
- There were succession dispute
- Civil wars
- Ambitious leaders.
- Some people refused to pay tribute.
- Attacks by neighbors.
- Quarrels in ruling family
By: T.Titus Nyakudyara
Twitter: @NyakudyaraTitus
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