For decades, the popular conception of Africa has been of a continent populated by primitive natives still living in the Stone Age. Indeed, the scramble for Africa (the colonization of almost all of the continent) was based on this premise. The theory was that the civilized world had a duty to bring enlightenment to the continent (not to mention too loudly the plundering of Africa's resources) and its uneducated masses.
Scholarship in the 20th century saw interest in African history grow rapidly. From its discovery by Europeans in the late 1800s, various archeologists explored amazing ruins that dotted the continent. Some advanced the theory that many of these had to be built by unknown Europeans as no Africans could possibly build such remarkable cities and buildings.
That theory was proven wrong.
A growing number of Black historians discovered a rich tapestry of very advanced societies that generations had overlooked or denigrated. At long last, the kingdoms of Africa were recognized for their role in trade and commerce with Europe, India, and China, their arts and crafts, and their sophisticated buildings and cities.
An outstanding example of an advanced African society is the city of Greater Zimbabwe, located in the country formerly known as Rhodesia and now once again Zimbabwe. The city covered an area of almost 1,800 acres divided into three districts - the Hill Complex, the Valley Complex and the Great Enclosure. Built of stone, the city is thought to have had a population of between 10,000 and 18,000. Amazingly, the stone structures, the tallest reaching 22 metres, are built without any use of mortar; the walls reach a height of 10 metres. The stones are fashioned to fit together without the need for mortar. Built between 1100 to 1600 AD, the time of construction fits into the Medieval Age in Europe.
As in the Americas, trade routes crisscrossed the continent with products of one kingdom exchanged for those of another. Greater Zimbabwe was known for its cattle and crops but the real source of its power came from the gold trade. Gold found in southern Africa came to the city and was then taken to the nearby coast for trade. It was the hub of many trading routes.
As with the Mayan cities of America, the reason for the decay and abandonment of Greater Zimbabwe remains a mystery. Some have suggested a series of droughts caused the residents to seek out new places to live. If so, a further mystery is why these former residents did not use the skills they had to build another stone city. Perhaps they did and the new city remains undiscovered.
One feature of Zimbabwe art is a number of delicately carved stone birds. While looted in the past, these remarkable creations attest to the skill of Zimbabwe artisans. These carvings have been a national symbol from the days of colonialism to the present.
Greater Zimbabwe is only one of the many marvels left behind by the African kingdoms. Far from being the primitive savages so long depicted in popular works, these cities attest to the sophisticated and advanced societies that all but disappeared during the colonial period.
