GREAT ZIMBABWE

Almost 1000 years ago, the city of Great Zimbabwe was the centre of a powerful African state. Great Zimbabwe was a large city with a population of at least 15,000 people. Surrounding the city were large, thick walls. They were very well made, and many of them still stand today. The city grew rich through gold mining. For almost 400 years, it traded with cities across Africa, the Middle East, China and beyond. Great Zimbabwe was very important in the history of Southern Africa. In fact, the modern country of Zimbabwe takes its name from the ancient city.