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Great Zimbabwe
A city of stone walls in southern Africa
MedievalArchitecture1300Great Zimbabwehard
Overview
Great Zimbabwe was the capital of a sophisticated Shona-speaking polity that controlled gold and ivory exports flowing from the interior to Swahili-coast ports like Kilwa. Its dry-stone walls, built without mortar, enclosed royal residences and ritual spaces.
Historical Context
Sub-Saharan Africa in the 14th century had thriving urban centres tied into Indian Ocean trade networks reaching as far as China.
What to Notice
- Tall dry-stone curving walls without mortar.
- A conical tower inside the Great Enclosure.
- Trade goods including imported Persian glass and Chinese porcelain.
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