Society!
The ruins of Great Zimbabwe bear a unique testimony to the lost civilization of the Shona between the 11th and 15th centuries. A unique artistic achievement, this great city has struck the imagination of African and European travellers since the Middle Ages, as evidenced by the persistent legends which attribute to it a biblical origin
The Great Zimbabwe area was settled by the fourth century. Between the fourth and the seventh centuries, communities of the Gokomere or Ziwa cultures farmed the valley, and mined and worked iron, but built no stone structures.These are the earliest Iron Age settlements in the area identified from archaeological diggings. Little is known about the Bantu-speaking people who built Great Zimbabwe or how their society was organized. The ruling elite appears to have controlled wealth through the management of cattle, which were the staple diet at Great Zimbabwe.
The Great Zimbabwe area was settled by the fourth century. Between the fourth and the seventh centuries, communities of the Gokomere or Ziwa cultures farmed the valley, and mined and worked iron, but built no stone structures.These are the earliest Iron Age settlements in the area identified from archaeological diggings. Little is known about the Bantu-speaking people who built Great Zimbabwe or how their society was organized. The ruling elite appears to have controlled wealth through the management of cattle, which were the staple diet at Great Zimbabwe.
Religion!
Religion played a very important role in the rise, development and expansion of Great Zimbabwe as a political centre. Religion was a unifying force in the state and the rulers were believed to be divine beings with divine powers.
By 1200 C.E., the city had grown strong, and was well known as an important religious and trading center. Some believe that religion triggered the city's rise to power, and that the tall tower was used for worship. The people of Great Zimbabwe most likely worshipped Mwari, the supreme god in the Shona religion, who had powers over rainmaking, agrucultural fertility and illness and everything. This communication with God was through a medium, which in most cases was with a chosen person.
By 1200 C.E., the city had grown strong, and was well known as an important religious and trading center. Some believe that religion triggered the city's rise to power, and that the tall tower was used for worship. The people of Great Zimbabwe most likely worshipped Mwari, the supreme god in the Shona religion, who had powers over rainmaking, agrucultural fertility and illness and everything. This communication with God was through a medium, which in most cases was with a chosen person.