Great Zimbabwe is an ancient city located in central-southern Africa that is believed to have been constructed during the 11th and 15th centuriesto form a unique city-state of its own, along with other related buildings, monuments, and structures. Its architecture is iconic and much of it has survived to this day, but how did the ruins of Great Zimbabwe come to be so grand and influential? Heading back to its history and culture, we can start to unravel some of the mysteries behind it.
The ruins of Great Zimbabwe cover roughly 4.5 square kilometres of the African landscape and consist of two main buildings: The Great Enclosure and the Hill Complex. Dating back to the Iron Age, the ruins serve as a source of great fascination and are of immense archeological importance due to the influence of their architecture. It has been noted that the city-state of Great Zimbabwe has an excellent style of architecture which has been highly revered by historians and architects from many different countries who have come to see the ruins.
As a pyramid-like structure, it is thought that the hill served first as acentral temple at the base of the Great Enclosure, surrounded by walls. These walls divided the city into three main sections – royal residence, royal court, and then a market area. It is believed that the Great Enclosure walls are five metres thick, seven metres high and were used as protective barrier. Overall, the structure of the city was used to create a defensive system in order to keep their territories safe.
The walls of the Great Enclosure were constructed using a three-tiered wall design, with the centre tier having the largest rocks. This is evidence of a gradual evolution of the city, as repeated construction and additions are believed to have been made over a period of several hundred years. The entire city was also surrounded by an additional outer wall that had mud-filled ditches as a defensive measure.
There is also evidence that suggests Zimbabwe’s architecture was deeply intertwined with its spiritual beliefs. One of the most notable pieces of architecture is Three Pillars which are believed to have been used for ceremonial purposes. Scholars have suggested that this serves as a reminder of the spiritual and religious nature of the inhabitants of the city.
Building Techniques
The construction techniques used to build Great Zimbabwe are also very intriguing, and are still being studied to this day. Based on archaeological findings andexcavations, it has been concluded that the builders of the ruins used stone, mortar and gravel as the main materials for building the walls and the various features aroundthe site. It is thought that the stones used were acquired from the nearbyBattleship Hill granite quarry which is how they were able to build such a large and complex city.
Aside from the impressive architecture, the attention to detail is also unmatched. Ornamental designs such as geometric and rhombus-shaped motifs were carved into many of the walls and could also be seen on columns, pendants and plaques. These kinds of decorative features were also used in the Great Enclosure, showing the high level of craftsmanship of the builders and the importance placed on interior design and aesthetics.
As a testament to the importance of architecture in Zimbabwe, the site is registered with UNESCO as World Heritage Site, recognising its global significance. As one of the few archaeological sites in Africa to receive such recognition, it is an important symbol of the cultural achievements of African civilizations and the resiliency of their architectural accomplishments.
Construction Controversy
Despite the intricate architecture and engineering of the ruins, there is still some lingering controversy over who exactly constructed the ruins atGreat Zimbabwe. Though the site is widely attributed to ancient Bantu peoples, there are some theorists who argue that the site was built by non-Africancivilizations such as the Arabs, Turks or Portuguese.
Some of the strongest evidence for non-African construction comes in the form of arches and decorative domes which resemble similar styles seen in Persia, establishing a potential link between the two. Though it has been argued by some scholars that the similarities are coincidental, it is still a point of contention, as there are no surviving records or documents to truly prove who the builders were.
Supporting the possibility of non-African origin is the fact that the ruins were also created using large blocks of stone taken from the Battlefields Hill quarry. With such an awe-inspiring construction feat and the lack of any known civilisation in the area that would have been able to accompany such a complex task, it stands to reason that an outside source was likely responsible for their staggering engineering feat.
Influence On Other Cultures
Though the mystery of who first constructed the ruins of Great Zimbabwe may remain unsolved, their influences onother nearby ancient cultures is clear. It is known that civilisations in both the Kongo and Mutapa Empires had a common history with the GreatZimbabwe builders, sharing similar architectural styles and even similar religious beliefs.
In addition, the influence of the ruins has been noted in the architecture of other monuments and structures in the region – for instance, theLimpopo Valley in Mozambique has patterns and motifs that resemble those seen in Great Zimbabwe. It is believed that many of the techniques used to build the ruins were passed on from generation to generation and served as a blueprint for other civilisations to follow.
From its mystical walls to its grandeur and intricate designs, it is no wonder that GreatZimbabwe has been an inspiration to many ancient cultures. Its architecture still stands out today, a silent witness to its timeless story. The mystery of who created such a magnificent city may remain unsolved, but the tales of the city’s greatness live on.
Role of Political Rulers In Influencing Architecture
The political rulers of Great Zimbabwe were the ones who ultimately had a tremendous influence on the city’s architecture. Throughout its history, a succession of Shona rulers led the city, each leaving behind their own distinctive style in its architecture. Whether it was the Mudzimu dynasty of the 11th century or the Rozvi dynasty of the 15th century, each ruler is believed to have left their mark on the city.
In this way, the architecture of Great Zimbabwe perfectly embodies the history of the city and its dynasties. With thedecline of its rulers and their kingdoms came the eventual ruin of the city, though its legacy remains alive to this day.
The history of the area is also closely linked with the rise and fall of the many kings who ruled over the city-state. It is thought that they were the ones responsible for raising defensive walls and constructing the different features aroundthe city. They also served as powerful symbols of the political might of the city, with their insignia and symbols adorning many of the buildings in a proud display of authority and power.
Important Cultural Heritage
As a testament to the site’s significance, Great Zimbabwe and its archaeological remnants have been widely recognised as an important source of cultural heritage to the Shona people. The city-state is seen as a source of pride for the Shona people who have preserved its legacy throughout the centuries.
Furthermore, the ruins of Great Zimbabwe have become a symbol of the country’s national identity. Zimbabwe has adopted the ruins as a national symbol, with Great Zimbabwe prominently featured on the country coat of arms, banknotes and stamps. This serves as evidence of the immense cultural impact that the ruins have had, both locally and internationally.
The ruins of Great Zimbabwe are thus a tremendous source of pride for many and a unique example of African architecture, engineering and craftsmanship. As a testimony to an ancient city-state, the remaining features of the site serve as a reminder of the craftsmanship and ingenuity of the people who onceconstructed it.
Preservation of Ruins
Due to its importance, Great Zimbabwe has been carefully conserved and preserved both by the Zimbabwean government and UNESCO. With proper conservation and monitoring of the historical site, it is hoped that the city will be preserved for future generations to admire and experience for many years to come.
The government of Zimbabwe has also taken a strong stance in the preservation and conservation of the ruins. The government has implemented numerouscountermeasures to protect the ruins and prevent further damage, including the construction of a modern, fence-like wall to prevent tourists from encroaching on the site, and the introduction of a number of preservation programmes that have been designed to help protect the fragile structures.
Finally, the preservation and conservation of the ruins is not a responsibility that should be taken lightly. The ruins of Great Zimbabwe are an integral part of African and Zimbabwean heritage, and it is up to all of us to ensure that these ancient structures are not lost to the pages of time.
