Great Zimbabwe is an ancient city located in the south-eastern hills of modern-day Zimbabwe, near Masvingo. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Great Zimbabwe from the 13th century and is the largest stone structure in precolonial Southern Africa. *Key Facts:* - *Construction and Growth*: Built in the 11th century, Great Zimbabwe's construction continued for over 300 years, spanning an area of 7.22 square kilometers. - *Population*: The city could have housed up to 18,000 people at its peak, with a population density of approximately 2,500 inhabitants per square kilometer. - *Architecture*: The site is composed of the Hill Complex, the Valley Complex, and the Great Enclosure, featuring impressive dry stone walls, including the 11-meter high walls of the Great Enclosure. - *Economy*: Great Zimbabwe was a major trading center, exchanging gold, ivory, and other goods with the Swahili coast and beyond, with trade links to China, Persia, and Arabia. - *Decline*: The city was abandoned in the 16th or 17th century, possibly due to a combination of factors, including climate change, resource depletion, and shifts in trade routes. *Notable Features:* - *The Zimbabwe Birds*: Eight soapstone sculptures found at the site, believed to represent the bateleur eagle, a symbol of good omen and protection in Shona culture. - *Dhaka Pits*: Ancient water management systems, including reservoirs, wells, and springs, that could hold over 18,000 cubic meters of water. - *International Artefacts*: Excavated items include Chinese pottery, Arabian coins, glass beads, and other non-local goods, showcasing the city's extensive trade networks ¹.