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Great Zimbabwe Ruins
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The Great Zimbabwe Ruins are the remains of the largest medieval city in sub-Saharan Africa. Artifacts found on the site provide evidence that the level of civilization reached in ancient Africa was subsequently higher than suspected before. Between the 13th and 15th centuries, the city that must have had between 10,000 and 20,000 inhabitants were the religious and secular capital of a realm, which covered an area presently represented by eastern Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa. The are was abandoned in the 15th century.

The oldest of the structures of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins is probably the Hill Complex; a series of royal and ritual enclosures. The Valley Enclosure includes a series of 13th century walls and daga hut platforms. Large part of the more important archaeological finds has been made there. The largest ancient (still standing) structure in sub-Saharan Africa, is the elliptical Great Enclosure. It is nearly 100 m (330ft) across and 255 m (840ft) in circumference. The walls surrounding the site are mortarless, and have a height of 11 m. In some places they are about 5 m (16 ft) thick.

The site was probably used as a royal compound. The solid 10m (33 ft) high Conical Tower is thought to have served as a ceremonial structure. The Great Zimbabwe Ruins is also the site where a tiny statue of a bird-like figure was found. This figure nowadays symbolizes Zimbabwe and it is found in the country's flag.

Zimbabwe Ruins is included in the UNESCO world heritage list.

The site is easily reached by public transport from Masvingo and lies about 280 km south of Harare. There is a camping ground and a hotel at the ruins.


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Zimbabwe ruins
Zimbabwe ruins

Zimbabwe ruins
Zimbabwe ruins

Zimbabwe ruins
Zimbabwe ruins

view from the area surrounding the ruins
view from the area surrounding the ruins

surrounding area
surrounding area

surrounding area
surrounding area

surrounding area
surrounding area




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