Great Zimbabwe is a massive ancient stone walled city located near Masvingo in south- eastern Zimbabwe. This World Heritage Site is the largest ancient stone structure south of the Sahara covering about 7 sq. kms and is the historical heritage of an empire after which Zimbabwe, meaning “houses of stone” is named.
The walls, built of granite blocks without the use of any mortar, reach 5 metres in height in some parts and 11 metres in the Great Enclosure. Great Zimbabwe was built between 1250 and 1450 AD and was the palace of the Zimbabwean king.
Many archaeological finds were made here including 8 Zimbabwe soapstone carved Eagles, other soapstone figurines, iron and ivory objects, bronze spearheads, copper ingots and crucibles and gold beads, pendants, bracelets and sheaths. All this adds to the importance of this area as part of a Trade Route extending to China during these ancient times.