Today we will continue with the Lost Kingdoms of Africa with Great Zimbabwe. Gus Casely-Hayford uncovers the mysteries of Great Zimbabwe.
Great Zimbabwe was discovered in 1871. A German geologist stumbled upon some splendid ruins. He had no idea who built the stone structure. He assumed that they were not built by Africans. However, that myth has been dispelled. Could Great Zimbabwe be the equivalent of El Dorado? Gus Casely-Hayford travels the length of Africa to discover the secrets of Great Zimbabwe. Gus starts at the ancient Swahili coast alongside the Indian Ocean. Traders and merchants were drawn to this coastline. These early traders and merchants were interested in gold. This coast was central to the gold trade. This trade route could lead to more information about Great Zimbabwe. These traders came from far and wide. Gus introduces a First Century Guide to trade in the Indian Ocean. This text describes the coasts and trading ports alongside the Indian Ocean. This guide is vague as to where this great trading city is, so historians consigned this story to legend. Gus meets up with Professor Felix Charming. Felix thinks he may have found this legendary trading post. Gus teases the professor about his expectations for the site. Professor Felix has worked with piecing the history of the Swahili coast. If he found this mysterious city, it would be his biggest discovery. Gus and Felix travel along the Rufiji. It flows from the interior to the Indian Ocean. Felix believes that this city sat on the river. Gus is skeptical about this assertion as they made their way into the interior. However, as they move further, fragments of pottery are found at their feet. Felix believes that this is the start of the site. More pottery shards are discovered, the smallest hint of a settlement in the ground. The pottery was dated from 2,000 years ago. This smallest bit of evidence could point to a great trading center. The thought astounds Gus. Even if this was the site of this legendary city, Gus continues to look for evidence of the gold trade. Gus moves further into Africa. He continues to find evidence of the trade routes. He looks to Portuguese documents. The Portuguese described cities filled with gold. Gus heads to Kilwa Kisiwani, another big trading port on the Indian Oceans. Trade went through this area and ended up in Great Zimbabwe. Kilwa Kisiwani’s fortunes ebbed and flowed during the centuries. The people traded raw materials and gold from this port. By the 14th Century, this port had become one of the richest ports in Africa. The ruins of this port testify to the wealth of this trade. Rather than using stone to show off their wealth, the merchants used coral to build their homes and great monuments. The site would have been dazzling to the visitors. Gus continues to move into the interior of Africa. He is searching for gold. Gold from the interior of Africa to the ports and then to the world. His guide points him in a new direction. There was an earlier kingdom. Before he continues on his journey to Great Zimbabwe, Gus goes to South Africa to explore this kingdom. He sees the grandeur of this earlier kingdom. This 12th Century kingdom was a short distance from the gold mines. They carefully crafted material objects using gold. How did this earlier kingdom tie into Great Zimbabwe? Continue to watch this episode to find out more. This episode is highly recommended for a history classroom. Gus tells an excellent story as he explores the story of Great Zimbabwe. I have never heard of how much trading was done on the Indian Ocean and Gus explores this story beautifully.
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