Explore the Legacy of Great Zimbabwe

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

European Discovery

For centuries, Europeans explored the edges of Africa, from Egypt and Morocco to South Africa and Mozambique.

As Portuguese explorers moved further into the continent in the 16th century, they encountered many African tribes and Muslim traders. Along the way, they came across the ruins of a massive stone city—one that could have housed thousands of people.

• But who built this city, and where did its builders go?

In 1538, the Portuguese historian João de Barros recorded a Muslim trader's account of the ruins.

The trader believed the city was too advanced for the people of the land to have built it. He even thought the structures were the work of the devil because it didn't seem possible that simple locals could have created such a magnificent city.

This idea lasted for centuries. The city was rediscovered several times, and in 1867, German explorer Karl Mauch thought it might be the legendary palace of the Queen of Sheba.

The Builders: The Gokomere People

Modern scientists now know that the Gokomere people, who lived in Zimbabwe starting around 300 A.D., built this city.

These people thrived by exploiting the area's abundant gold deposits and trading with far-off lands. The urban center they developed was quite unique, with three distinct sections.

Hill Complex – likely a place of power and spirituality

Great Enclosure – possibly used for ceremonial purposes

Valley Complex – the heart of the city's residential and farming areas

At its height, Great Zimbabwe was home to up to 18,000 people.

Decline

• So, what caused the city to decline?

The factors weren't unique—overpopulation, dwindling resources, civil war, and exhausted mines contributed. But what's striking about Great Zimbabwe's fall is how the people dealt with it: they simply left.

When faced with too many problems, the rulers moved on and established a new city. The people followed, leaving the old one behind.

This response differed greatly from what we might expect in other historical contexts, where civilizations often fought to hold onto their cities.

To further explore the fascinating history of Great Zimbabwe, watch this video that dives deeper into its rich past. You'll learn about the city’s grandeur, its role in trade networks, and how archaeologists uncovered clues about its rise and fall.

Now that you've learned about the history of Great Zimbabwe, head to the Got It? section to put your knowledge to the test and review what you've just discovered!