Great Zimbabwe Ruins
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A great city existed here from the 11th century on, with over 10.000 inhabitants. Great Zimbabwe (“stone houses”) was a main regional trading center, its wealth associated with (Arab) gold trading. There were also trade links with East Africa (Kilwa), and fragments of Persian and Chinese pottery has been found at the site.
Arab and European travellers in the 16th century sent marvelling reports home about this place and its impressive stone walls. The site was abandoned in the 15th century (for Khami) because of a lack of food and firewood.
The ruins nowadays are spread out over three main areas: the Hill Ruins, the Great Enclosure and the Valley Ruins.
| Year | Decision | Comments |
| 1986 | Inscribed | Reasons for inscription |
Reviews
Sue Cawood (UK):
My family and I visited the ruins in the early 70s there was nothing there at all ....just the ruins and they were all overgrown and mystical a beautiful untouched place to be.... I will never forget the experience... and would like to remember it as it was...a truly exceptional place of beauty...and tranquility....................... Date posted: June 2012 Mthabisi Ndlovu (Zimbabwe):
Great Zimbabwe is surely striking site, one of kind and surely qualifies the Concept of 'Outstanding Universal Value',its surely unique and wouldnt mind visiting it constantly. Date posted: April 2012 Paul Neazor (New Zealand):
Visited Great Zimbabwe in November 2011 and found the place fascinating. Obviously a lot of work has gone into restoring the site and now a great deal of it is exposed to view. It's well worth the trip.
I would recommend using one of the guides for any tour, as they know a great deal about the place. Our guide, Champion, was a fountain of knowledge and pointed out several things we would have overlooked had he not been there. He was with us for about three hours, took us all over the complex and made the whole experience much better.
I consider the site well up to the standard I expected of a World Heritage Area, and those who work there obviously have a pride in their heritage and knowledge. Those who haven't seen it for some years may well be surprised by the work done since their last visit. I thoroughly enjoyed my day at Great Zimbabwe and would say to anyone who is considering going: "Make the time to go there." Date posted: November 2011 Jim Wakefield (australia):
I first visited Great Zimbabwe in 2000 and hope to go back again soon. I would be interested in any stories re this complex. Who built the houses on the hill complex. What was the hill complex just an fort? or What was it's purpose?
Stories especially from older residents would interest me.
What about the standing stones just inside the west entrance? Did they have a purpose?
As you may guess I have an interest hear for I saw it for myself. And I belong to an archaeological club here in Brisbane whose members are also interested in anything special like Great Zimbabwe. Date posted: November 2011 H.Jordaan (South Africa):
In 1939 I first visited the ruins with my family when I was six years old.
In 1954 I was posted by the National Parks department as Assistant Warden to Mr S.D.Sandes the Curater who was ex B.S.A.P. and C.I.D. (The old visitors book was still there with the families signatures in it. The park though managed by National Monuments Commission in Bulawayo was maned and run by Natioanl Parks Department.
There is to much to be written here about what I learnmed from Local Shona people - the assumed five stages of construction and method used - repairs clearly visible in the entrences to the Temple.- hidden weir in old stream - The phalic religion in the Temple design - look at ruin plan from above, can you not see a foetal head-spine along the narrow passage to the conical tower where the foetus is situated.Then to conflict between two tribes - Political involvement and take over.
Much much more to tell if of interest. Date posted: September 2011 TENDAI (Zimbabwe):
My visit to Great Zimbabwe was amazing.It showed what can happen if we work together.Although what seemed to bother me was why some books i have read about G.Z tell of a different beginning of this wonderful site.I only hope that everyonne in Zimbabwe can spare some time to visit this historic site of Zimbabwe.There is also the issue of entry fees which has risen unepectedly.$5 an adult is no joke.With a family like mine it is very expensive,but pay it is worth it. Date posted: May 2011 Teresa Clatworthy (Ex Zimbabwe):
Regarding the comment inquiring about where the original inhabitants got their water. The Acropolis is built on a hill below which is a vlei [marshy low lying ground] In days gone by this was a lake and actually formed a part moat giving added security to the only entrance into the Acropolis. Date posted: December 2010 Johnny B. Goode (USA):
Gene Williams, I dont understand why you would need a guide to go to Great Zimbabwe at all and i dont understand when you say there is no museum at the site. i have been to Great Zimbabwe many times and theres a great hotel there (Great Zimbabwe Hotel) where i stayed and there is a museum on site. I cant understand how you missed that. A lot of people find it without guides at all. Now to say that young men from that country dont know their history is irresponsible. This is because you found one ignorant person? I'm a teacher here in the US, Delaware County, PA to be precise and up 85% of people here dont know their history, 90% dont care so dont be too judgmental. Date posted: September 2010 Nelson (Zimbabwe):
Twice I have visited Great Zimbabwe and the last time I did I must say the awe that first struck me the first time had been amplified twice. The place is simply amazing. Those guys of old were definitely more sophisticated than us guys to be able to build that structure without computers, winches, dump trucks and all. They deserve our respect. Date posted: July 2010 Erica Arshley Muroka (Zimbabwe):
this is a magnificent place to be in Zimbabwe.. I realy enjoyed climbing up the mountains and l learned more about my culture Date posted: May 2010 Ashley Guo (Singapore):
Hi all,
I saw that there were no water wells within the site of the ruin, does anyone here know how the inhabitants could have survived? Are there any nearby river?
Hi Jacob Hungwe, if you happen to read this, maybe you can enlighten me as i believe you would know more than anyone of us, since you are the decendant of the Royal House.
Cheers and thank you.
Ashley Date posted: March 2010 Jean M. Williams (U. S. A.):
In 1985, my husband and I---with my sister, sistr-in-law, and two friends---were traveling the length of Africa and visited Great Zimbabwe on the recommendation of a niece who teaches African history. We hired a guide but he was unable to keep the appointment and sent his teen-age son instead. That young men was obviously ignorant of many facts and told us a lot of nonsense he must have fabricated (such as separate balconies for boys and girls in the hill ruins). There was no museum or other official structure at the site so we had to learn the real facts about Great Zimbabwe from other sources after we returned to the U.S. What a pity that the young people of Zimbabwe were not taught about their country's history! Date posted: January 2010 samantha gonyora (zimbabwe):
great zimbabwe ruins is truly a beautiful place.I'm studying archaeology and i've been at great zimbabwe for a fieid trip in 2008.There are lots of values that are attatched to the site which includes economic values,historical values,spiritual values,traditional values,religional values and aestetic values.These values will be meaningful if we only respect them and the ruins will remain signifcant. Date posted: January 2010 Rose Sloan (Shetland Islands U.K.):
I had the good fortune to visit The Great Zimbabwe in April 2008 and hope to return some day. It was a fantastic experience, the only down side was that I could not stay longer. Date posted: July 2009 Colin (Australia):
I visited as part of a 14 day safari in July 1993, camping overnight at the site. I was stunned.
In response to some negative previous comments, I can only say that the artifacts disappeared long, long before the present regime came to power. Perhaps they went into the great museums of the western world.
As for the claims that it was indeed King Solomon's mines, I really think that these were a little further north. By some thousands of miles. Many fanciful claims have been made over the years about the almost mythical king of Israel and the queen of Sheba who was more likely from southern Arabia or possibly Ethiopia Date posted: May 2009 Dennis Madamba (South Africa):
Great Zimbabwe is one of the world's first class historical monuments and is there to satisfy the minds of those who appreciate works of art the world over. It is imperative for all who are in love with art and history to make contributions necessary to the continued existance of this heritage site so that as many generations as possible may visit and experience the mystic environment in and around the Great Zimbabwe.Remember, noone is a sole owner of a heritage site although it's people who make history. Date posted: April 2009 William B. Cable (United States):
July of 1970, traveling solo on a Honda 360 motorcyle, I had the fortune to spend two days at the site. The entire time I felt that many of the spirits were still actively living on site. Thirty nine years latter I vididly in my mind return frequently to the site.
I had all my 35 mm slides put on to dvd of the four months African trek.
The tourist village was still on site.
Thank you for providing a blast from the past 3/13/09 with this web site. Date posted: March 2009 Nancy Blignaut (USA):
We went to the ruins in 1974 and we camped next to them.
We climbed everywhere and I don't remember seeing a tour guide. I traveled with three architectual students. We were all awed. We loved the place. It was so quiet and the spaces so still. I didn't find it alien but a warm place where a people danced and sang and lived. The stones are so beautifully made and the sun and shadow so contrived to constrain and free the person. We knew the official view of the origin on the ruins but didn't believe a word of it. Date posted: February 2009 Jacob Hungwe (Zimbabwe):
I am a descendant of the royal house of Great Zimbabwe. The Hungwe Dynasty.The ruler was a Great Woman Queen, and her known name is "Queen Of Sheba".The Great Zimbabwe was a trading post, ant the ruler queen,was a great traveller,as she had Gold to back her travels,which became known as "King Solomon's Mines".This can be proved by the fact that the surrounding area all the way to Johannesburg South Africa is still Rich and has an abundant supply of Gold,not to mention diamonds.The Great Zimbabwean ruins according to biblical scriptures and prophecy are to be there until the Messiah (Jesus Christ) comes back to reign in the millenium (1000 years)golden age,as it says that Kingdoms will come to give tribute to the lion of Judah in Jerusalem,inclusive of Queen of Sheba kingdom.There are also some detailed secret things l am aware of but am not supposed to reveal for cultural reasons and the traditional law. Date posted: January 2009 George (Malawi):
i nevery knew architecture existed since time immemorial. I have been to Great Zimbabwe and was fascinated by the design and size of bricks used long back then. can go back there ten times more. Date posted: December 2008 Christen (South Africa):
I visited Great Zimbabwe this year in 2008. I am a South African, and was amazed and fascinated by the site. The reception and hospitality by the staff at the site was quite amazing. It is quite encouraging that despite the challenges that the country of Zimbabwe is going through, the staff at Great Zimbabwe are doing a good job to keep the place clean. Obviously if the situation remains as it is there might be need for all people that are interested in culture and preservation to create a fund for the maintainance of the site. I would be the first one to make a contribution Date posted: November 2008 Polgedra (United Kindom):
My Twin brother and I visited the ruins in April 1997. I believe that they are the remnants of a civilisation set up by King Solomon, possibly also visited by Cleopatra. As to the possible link with the Annunaki, not unbelievable although the mining of gold seems far fetched since we already know that making gold with advanced physics is only a matter of available energy and that is plentiful with 2400 degree sun focus devices nowadays. I am willing to believe that past and future have a jucstaposed existance here. I.E. I sincerely believe the ruins are part of a future event or at least were founded based on knowledge of a future event. I find it uncanny that the site we chose to base our operations silo for the colonisation of Europa - Lucosi, was so close to the ruins! Date posted: October 2008 Anand Patel (Zimbabwe):
The Ruins, just in/around Masvingo were actually more than I expected. In times of economic downfalls, rampant inflations and food shortages...this was a little piece of heaven and history. Actually I went 2 times over the weekend I spent there. I found the tour guide, from our hotel, to be clear, concise and well informed. The links of history made it clear that this was once a place envied by other African Leaders as it was the largest trading hub in its day. The structures are not maintained like overseas but the impact of the size and height is still there.
Highly recommend it for people in Zim and those visiting.... although it should be noted that you have to drive there. Date posted: June 2008 Kaye (Australia):
We visited the ruins in May 2007. We found the staff friendly, helpful and respectful. They were all trying so hard to do their best in these hard times. The ruins were spectacular to see, such a huge site and the guide seemed up to date and knowledgeable. Unfortunately he destroyed any inclination that the ruins were built from aliens from out of space but much more reasonably believed over time the people integrated into other tribes and probably even he was a ancestor of the people who once lived here.
We were only alowed to pay the entry fee in foreign currency.
Wednesday, 14 March 2007
Lion park
Thursday, 15 March 2007
Lion park ():
I visited the ruins on a number of occassions and each time could feel a greater, even cosmic connection there. That gold was mined is no surprise, but after a meditation at the sight, it came through as once being a light porthole for off planet visitors, but was recalibrated and then connected to the vile vortice located at Gweru in the Midlands of the country. Hence is why Zimbabwe has numerous reports of Ufo (ET or Alien) activity. This or The Great Zimbabwe ruins, might well hold many a secret connected to Ufo's, just as The Great Pyramid 'Giza'does!!
Robert Winston Burnett www.lulu.comNextagemission and www.nextagemission.com ():
Fanciful thoughts - read Richard Hall's 'Prehistoric Rhodesia' for a closer look at the truth. The Karanga were a 'grass-hut' culture and had neither the skills or the inclination to build such a master piece. Suits the gullible and Zim. authorities to believe otherwise. Shame about the museum at the ruins - now a little light on the precious artifact side of things - wonder where they all went???
Having said all that, the ruins still have their mystery. ():
I was born in Rhodesia, and sometime around 1956, as a teenager, I and a companion, spent a night in the ruins...A very weird experience under the brilliant light of a full moon...We both agreed that the dreams and feeling of trespass we felt were not simply the result of overactive imaginations, but something far deeper; something unexplainable...If given the chance, I doubt I'd do it again, but would love the chance to re-visit both Zimbabwe the country and the ruins...I have recently (2007) visited Machu Picchu in Peru and experienced feelings of great awe there as well... ():
What a wonderful place the Great Zimbabwe is?Everything is fair,nice and fine.I really appreciate the hospitality at the great Zimbabwe ruins and at the hotel.The scenery is attractive and you can even spent the whole day starring at one thing.I have been there for 3 times.Not because i have a lot of money but because i can't withstand my passion for just being there.The staff at the Great Zimbabwe just know that you will never be alone. ():
The great Zimbabwe ruins are not only a marvel but a wonder beyond compare in southern Africa and perhaps the whole world. The ruins are immaculately unique and from the scholary ongoing debate of who the real constructors are, their uniqueness is upheld. As a historical association of an African university in southern Africa, we are deeply honoured to having been part of the many who went out to see these magnificient structures. As UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION (UNZA HAAS), our explanation of the feeling and reaction one would get upon seeing these huge structures cannot be explained entirely by one or foretold. It is a sight worht seeing, an adventure worth experiencing and a site worth preserving. Go out and have your own feel.
joseph simenda maopu, student unza. (presidentunzahaas) Razzza (Australia):
I love africa & zimbabwe is just beautiful! the ruins are absolutly spectacular!!! Date posted: March 2006 paul wilson (USA):
I visited the Zimbabwe ruins on safari last year and was told they were created hundreds of thousands of years ago by "gods!" Documentation is found in the oldest writings--Sumerian tablets. An advanced race "fell down" to earth (as even the Bible states) and humankind was created genetically as slave labor by these so called "Annanaki" to mine gold from African sites. There's a fine line of translation between "fallen angels" and what we now call UFO visitors. Seems we're not the first to know about DNA, cloning, space shuttles, etc. There are mines in Africa that are over 50,000 years old. The tour guide claimed the gold was needed by the Annanaki and slave labor was the answer. After all, it's a strenuous ordeal to mine gold from ore; early humankind didn't do it just to wear shiny baubles--they were forced to! I came away from the tour scratching my head, but I admit I was fascinated by the different interpretation. Date posted: March 2006 David Davis (USA):
My parents were American missionaries in Cheredzi from 1969-1974 and then in Salisbury and Marandellas from 1975-1979. We often took our holidays camping near Fort Vic at Kyle Dam. Father always took a morning to take the family to the ruins. Even as a child my memories are vivid of the awesomness and mystery of this place. It takes one back to our origins and echos of a distant time and place where ones imagination can still smell the wood fires and hear the bustle of an ancient chiefs court and place of commerce. Many secrets lie here. I miss you Rhodesia....Zimbabwe my heart lies in thee still! Lourdes (USA):
Years ago I travelled to Zimbabwe from NYC for a cycling trip through this breathtaking country. This was one of the stops that we made and I remember the mixed feelings I had when encountering the ruins. As a black woman, a professional Architect, I was angry and dismayed that I never learned about this in all my schooling! I never knew the Zimbabwe Ruins even existed and it seemed so important that children of color should know about it. I was also awed by the culture that built these and this was a wonderful discovery. haatembo mooya (zambi):
i learnt about the ruins at university and was fascinated by the work i read. however, the amazement and fascination was nothing compared to the real thing. the huge structures, the massive walls, the marvelous hill complex and the inexplicable great enclosure made me believe that you've never really experinced 'it' until you've really been there. prudance mwando (Zimbabwe):
The great zimbabwe is located in the southern part of africa in a country called zimbabwe. It was built in 400AD buy the shona people.It is believed that these ruins were built as cities and they had to build the king or chefs huose on top of the mountain or the hill but it really was because it had beentheir Bonnie Boudreau (Australia):
I just came back from a trip to Zimbabwe (Aug 2004). Great Zimbabwe was one of the stops on our ten-day safari. It was nice to forget about all the bad press and experience this great piece of Zimbabwean history. I felt frustration, but was really not surprised, when our wonderful Zimbabwean tour guide told us how, for centuries, white man repeatedly tried to rewrite history, arrogantly refusing to believe Africans could be capable of creating this remarkable village. Our guide always explained these historical events with such class; with perhaps a slight hint of regret in his speech but never making derogatory comments about whites or anyone else. He had obvious pride for his ancerstors and was honored to tell us all about it, which is how we found most of the people we've met all over Zimbabwe. While alot of the structures in the ruins have been turned upside down and stripped by treasure hunters, what remains is definitely worth seeing. You don't often get the chance to sit where kings previously sat and you can't help but feel perhaps they are looking down on you today. Do it either pretty early in the day or towards the evening to avoid the midday heat, and bring water. Lea Newstead nee Stewart (Kent, England):
As a child, I went to Boarding School in Gwelo, and often passed the ruins on my travels to or from school. I always felt that this place was where we all came from. It has a real draw to it and feels important to the soul. A must for anyone visiting Zimbabwe. John Sweeny ():
As a child I lived in Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia, and we drove to Zimbabwe for a weekend1m 1929. It was a fascinating visit, and at that time the tales of the Queen of Sheba, King Solomon and the like were the wisdom of the day. The natives, of course, couldn't have erected such works, we were told. I can still see my fathertrying to insert a knife blade between the rocks. Even today, the memory is vivid. Emily (England):
A fantastical and memorable experience. We had a guide namew Stephen who pretendid his hands were a microphone so we actually couldn't hear a word he said. THe most memorable part was hiking up to the top where plays were put on and sitting where a guest of the King's may have sat previously all thos years ago. Definately worth a visit, unless it is raining!!!
Have you been to Great Zimbabwe Ruins? Share your experiences!
Country: Zimbabwe
Inscribed: 1986
Cultural Heritage
Criteria: (1) (3) (6)
Category: Archaeological site, Civilizations of Sub-Saharan Africa
Official website:
»Travel Guide
Connections:
Architecture
Dry Stone Construction .
History
Chinese Porcelain in Africa .
Human Activity
Gold production .
Individual People
King Solomon .
Timeline
Built in the 11th century .
Trivia
Country named after them . Depicted on National Coat of Arms . On Banknotes .
WHS on Other Lists
Global Heritage Fund .
In the news:
» Perimeter fence around Great Zimbabwe has been vandalised (12-05-2013).
Links:
» Book tip: Zimbabwe's Heavenly Ruins.
» Riddle of Great Zimbabwe.
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