Political Backround:
The civilization of Great Zimbabwe was one of the most significant civilizations in the world during the Medieval period. European travelers from Germany, Portugal, and Britain were astonished to learn of this powerful African civilization in the interior of southern Africa. Later Europeans also speculated that Great Zimbabwe was built by Portuguese travelers, Arabs, Chinese, or Persians.No consideration was given to the possibility of local indigenous Africans having built the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, because European writers generally agreed that Africans did not have the capacity to build anything of significance, particularly not monuments made with skilled stone masonry.
Religion played a very important role in the rise, development and expansion of Great Zimbabwe as a political centre. Religion was a unifying force in the state and the rulers were believed to be divine beings with divine powers. At Great Zimbabwe this point is clearly illustrated
by the location of the sacred enclosure on the Hill Complex, which is also the location of the king’s residence.The king surrounded himself with diviners and traditional doctors who created the most frightening myths and legends about the king’s extraordinary powers.
The king also patronized clan and territorial spirit mediums who lent spiritual legitimacy to the state. The people believed in a supreme God called Mwari who had powers over rainmaking, agricultural fertility and illness and everything.This communication with God was through a medium, which in most cases was a chosen person.
The generally wet microclimate at Great Zimbabwe and its surroundings was attributed to the powers of Mwari. Great Zimbabwe continued to be an important religious centre after its collapse in the 15th century. In the 18th -19th centuries religious performances including rainmaking ceremonies were undertaken here. Rainmakers have always thronged to the place, a practice that has survived to this day.
Religion played a very important role in the rise, development and expansion of Great Zimbabwe as a political centre. Religion was a unifying force in the state and the rulers were believed to be divine beings with divine powers. At Great Zimbabwe this point is clearly illustrated
by the location of the sacred enclosure on the Hill Complex, which is also the location of the king’s residence.The king surrounded himself with diviners and traditional doctors who created the most frightening myths and legends about the king’s extraordinary powers.
The king also patronized clan and territorial spirit mediums who lent spiritual legitimacy to the state. The people believed in a supreme God called Mwari who had powers over rainmaking, agricultural fertility and illness and everything.This communication with God was through a medium, which in most cases was a chosen person.
The generally wet microclimate at Great Zimbabwe and its surroundings was attributed to the powers of Mwari. Great Zimbabwe continued to be an important religious centre after its collapse in the 15th century. In the 18th -19th centuries religious performances including rainmaking ceremonies were undertaken here. Rainmakers have always thronged to the place, a practice that has survived to this day.