A The ruins of the city of Great Zimbabwe in southern Africa are a unique testimony to the civilisation of the Shona1 people. The Shona word 'zimbabwe' means a large stone house, but the ruins consist of the largest stone complex in of Africa ancient built before modem of era, aside from the monumental architecture of ancient Egypt. Their method of construction is unique to African architecture and, although there are examples of similar work elsewhere, none are as distinguished and imposing as Great Zimbabwe. The city was an important trading centre and has been renowned for centuries. The modem country of Zimbabwe, where the ruins are situated, was named after it, and in 1986 Great Zimbabwe was designated both a national monument and a World Heritage site.

B Great Zimbabwe is located on a plain at an altitude of some 1,100 metres in a sparsely populated region. The city, built between 1100 and 1450 AD, extends over seven square kilometres, and is divided into three areas: the Hill Complex, the Great Enclosure and the Valley Complex.

The Hill Complex, forming a huge granite mass on top of a north-east/southwest-facing ridge, was continuously occupied from the 12th to the 15th century, and traces of human settlements are found in numerous layers. Rough granite rubble-stone blocks form distinct enclosures, accessed by narrow, partly covered passageways. This complex is generally considered a 'royal city'; the west enclosure is thought to have been the residence of successive chiefs and the east enclosure, where six soapstone posts topped with figurines of birds were found, is considered to have served a ritual purpose.

____________________
[1] Shona: an ethnic group native to Zimbabwe neighbouring countries

C The Great Enclosure, which is oval shaped, is located to the south of the hills, and dates to the 13th century. The external walls were built of cut granite blocks, laid in regular courses, and within these walls there are community and living areas, and a narrow passage leading to a high conical tower, which may have functioned as a granary warehouse. Interior walls mark off each family's area, generally comprising a kitchen, two living huts and a yard. Huts were made of mud bricks, composed of a mixture of granitic sand and clay.

D The Valley Complex, which dates back to the 15th century, is a series of living quarters scattered throughout the valley. Each one has similar characteristics: many of the structures are in brick (huts, indoor flooring, benches, basins, etc.) and dry stone walls provide insulation. Construction work was carried out to a high standard of craftsmanship, incorporating an impressive display of V-shaped and checked wall decorations.

E Scientific research has shown that Great Zimbabwe was founded around 1100 on a site which had been sparsely occupied in the prehistoric period by the Shona. By the 14th century, it was the principal city of a major state extending over the gold-rich area; its population exceeded 10,000. However, in about 1450 the capital was abandoned. The reasons for this are debated, but suggestions include a shortage of food for the overpopulated city, and deforestation. The resulting migration benefited Khami, which then became the most influential city in the region, and signalled Great Zimbabwe's waning political power.

F Archaeological excavations at Great Zimbabwe have revealed glass beads and porcelain from China and Persia, and gold and Arab coins from the Indian Ocean island of Kilwa, which testify to long-standing trade with the outer world. Other evidence, including fragments of pottery and ironware, gives a further insight into the city's socio-economic complexity and into farming and pastoral activities in the surrounding area. A monumental granite cross, located at a traditionally revered and sacred site, also illustrates contact with Christian missionaries.

In the late 19th century, numerous soapstone figurines in the form of birds were found mounted on columns, buried among the ruins. These are testimony to the use of the site as a place of worship from the 12th century to the present day. The birds, which had some human features, were subsequently described as the Zimbabwe Birds, and a design based on them became a national symbol, incorporated into the Zimbabwe flag and shown in other prestigious contexts.

G Despite the importance of the site, it has suffered some deterioration due to variations in temperature and soil moisture content, as well as pressure from tourism, encroaching invasive vegetation, and incorrect preservation methods. The site would benefit if attention was given to conservation techniques and the materials employed, as well as to the need for conservation standards that meet the international benchmark, but which are balanced with the traditional activities still taking place there.

The site has been legally protected since 1893, and today is managed by the Zimbabwean Ministry of Home Affairs. Funding for the management and conservation of the site comes mainly from central government, with limited revenue generated by the sale of publications and charging an entrance fee for the site.