Exploring the Ruins of Great Zimbabwe: A Guide to the Ancient City
Why You Should Visit Great ZimbabweAs soon as you arrive at Great Zimbabwe, you'll find yourself transported to a time when kings and queens ruled the land, and the phrase "Netflix and chill" would have earned you a quizzical stare and a swift beheading. The sprawling ruins of this ancient city are a breathtaking sight to behold. Located in the southeastern hills of Zimbabwe, the remnants of this once-great civilization are a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the people who built it.Constructed between the 11th and 15th centuries, Great Zimbabwe was the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe and was home to over 18,000 people at its peak. The ruins cover nearly 1,800 acres, making it the largest ancient structure south of the Sahara Desert. What’s more, the city's architecture and craftsmanship are so impressive that some European explorers initially refused to believe it was built by Africans, attributing the achievement to the biblical Queen of Sheba. Today, we know that the ruins are a proud testament to the continent's rich history and deserve a spot on every intrepid traveler's bucket list.Getting to the RuinsBefore you can explore the great city, you'll need to get there. The ruins are located about 19 miles (30 kilometers) from the small town of Masvingo, which is easily accessible by bus from Zimbabwe's capital, Harare. You may be tempted to hitch a ride on an ox-cart, but we recommend sticking to more modern transportation methods. Once you arrive in Masvingo, you can hire a taxi or find a tour operator to take you to the ruins. Be prepared to negotiate: The local currency is the Zimbabwean dollar, but you can also use US dollars or a shiny set of brass knuckles to get a fair price.Exploring the RuinsAs you walk through the ancient stone walls of Great Zimbabwe, you may feel as if you've wandered onto the set of Game of Thrones, minus the dragons, or the political intrigue, or the... well, you know. But the ruins are most certainly real and provide fascinating insights into the lives of the people who built them.1. The Great EnclosureFirst on your list of must-sees should be the Great Enclosure, the largest and most impressive structure within the ruins. The stone walls stand up to 36 feet (11 meters) tall and are a true marvel of engineering. Take your time exploring the maze-like interior and pondering the purpose of the mysterious conical tower, which still has archaeologists scratching their heads today. Was it a grain silo, a phallic symbol, or the world's first escape room? We may never know.2. The Hill ComplexNext, make your way up to the Hill Complex, the oldest part of the city and the former residence of the king. You'll need to channel your inner mountain goat to navigate the steep, narrow passages that wind through the complex, but the view from the top is worth it. From here, you can survey the entire city and imagine what life was like for the king and his court. Just remember, with great power comes great responsibility – and a fantastic view.3. The Valley ComplexFinally, head down to the Valley Complex, a series of structures that housed both the royal and common folk. This is your chance to get a glimpse into the lives of the everyday people who called Great Zimbabwe home. Wander through the maze of stone walls, and you may find yourself considering a career change to archaeology or at least questioning your life choices that led you to a cubicle.Practical Tips for Your Visit- Bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the intense African sun. This is not the time to work on your tan, trust us.
- Wear sturdy shoes for navigating the rocky terrain. Leave your Roman sandals at home, as tempting as it may be to dress in theme.
- Carry plenty of water and snacks to fuel your exploration, but please refrain from picnicking on the ancient walls. They've had enough to deal with over the centuries.
- Be respectful of the site and its history. It's not every day that you get to explore the remnants of a once-great civilization, so let's keep it that way for future generations.
With its awe-inspiring architectural feats, fascinating history, and stunning views, Great Zimbabwe is truly a sight to behold. So pack your bags, brush up on your ancient African history, and get ready to channel your inner Indiana Jones as you explore the ruins of this magnificent city.
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