Great Zimbabwe: History and Significance

Great Zimbabwe, a medieval stone city in southern Africa, was a center of wealth and trade. It was known for its impressive stone structures and played a key role in intercontinental trade networks. Archaeological findings reveal its rich history and eventual decline due to overcrowding and resource depletion. The city's origins were debated during colonial times, but evidence confirmed its African roots. Today, it stands as a symbol of national pride and cultural heritage.

What is the significance of Great Zimbabwe in African history?

• It was a major Roman trade center.

• It was the capital of ancient Egypt.

• It is the oldest city in Africa.

• It is the largest known settlement ruins in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Which area of Great Zimbabwe was reserved for the royal family?

• The Valley Complex

• The Great Enclosure

• The Trade Complex

• The Hill Complex

What were the main items traded by Great Zimbabwe?

• Silver, spices, and silk

• Iron, salt, and textiles

• Diamonds, tea, and coffee

• Gold, ivory, and copper

What evidence suggests the decline of Great Zimbabwe?

• Overcrowding and sanitation issues

• Invasion by foreign armies

• Natural disasters

• Economic collapse

What was one of the myths about the origins of Great Zimbabwe during European colonization?

• It was built by the Queen of Sheba.

• It was a gift from the gods.

• It was a lost city of Atlantis.

• It was constructed by the Romans.

Who provided clear evidence that Great Zimbabwe was built by indigenous peoples?

• David Randall-MacIver

• Arthur Evans

• Heinrich Schliemann

• Howard Carter

How did the colonial government react to the evidence of Great Zimbabwe's African origins?

• They embraced it.

• They sought to discredit it.

• They ignored it.

• They celebrated it.

During which decades did Great Zimbabwe become a symbol for the African Nationalist movement?

• 1940s and 1950s

• 1980s and 1990s

• 1920s and 1930s

• 1960s and 1970s

What does the soapstone bird on the Zimbabwean flag represent?

• The rulers of Great Zimbabwe

• The spirit of freedom

• The country's wildlife

• The national bird of Zimbabwe

What is the current status of the ruins at Great Zimbabwe?

• They are a private property.

• They are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• They are a restricted military zone.

• They are a modern city.