Great Zimbabwe National Monument

28 kilometres southeast of Masvingo stands the ruined city of a medieval African kingdom. The Monomotapa Empire (existing circa 1450 - 1629) ruled over an advanced African civilization, and included the present-day states of Zimbabwe (which derived its name from this ancient city) and Mozambique.

The Great Zimbabwe Ruins are some of the largest and most ancient structures in sub-Saharan Africa. Estimates are that the city housed as many as 18,000 inhabitants at its peak. Built entirely of stone, the main ruins span more than 7km².

The city walls were constructed using dry-stone techniques, with granite stones being carefully shaped for a precise fit. The story goes that the thirteenth century mambo (king), was responsible for these famous mortarless walls. It was to him that the people paid tribute in stone and added bit-by-bit to the defensive structures.

Consequently, the king was nicknamed 'the stone man' and upon his death a spirit medium carved a stylised bird image out of stone. This has become a national symbol of modern day Zimbabwe and is seen in every roadside curio collection. The original seven carved birds excavated from the valley enclosures, can now be seen at the museum.

The city consists of three distinct structural groups and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1986. The three complexes are: the Acropolis (or Hill Complex), the Valley Enclosures and the Great Enclosure.

The Acropolis on the hill was the royal enclosure. In all probably this structure was built first and there is evidence suggesting that it was occupied for three hundred years

The most prominent portion is the Great Enclosure and speculation has it that this was the royal harem, a fact that makes the structure all the more impressive, even if only amorally so.

The historical circumstances surrounding Great Zimbabwe's abandonment and eventual ruin are vague, and opinion is divided on what actually happened. By the time settlers arrived in the nineteenth century, the bush had begun reclaiming the city.

To fully appreciate these ancient stones and their stories, a trip to the museum or some pre-visit reading is suggested before you visit the ruins.

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