The purpose of the Great Zimbabwe structures

Great Zimbabwe ruins from a distance. Image credit africazim-travel.com

• The uses of the Great Zimbabwe structure has been the subject of much speculation
• Some experts have tried to come up with a list of plausible uses of the various structures at Great Zimbabwe
• The great Zimbabwe walls were called The Great Enclosure or Imbahuru and their purpose were;
• Defence- that is to withstand any attacks from the state’s enemies
• They also served as the residence of the ruling family
• They separated the ruling class from the commoners.
• The Great Enclosure was more luxurious than those in the valley where commoners lived
• The structures signified wealth and power especially how the ruling class could organize and mobilize labour
• They were the residents of the first wife of the king in the Great House
• They also provided privacy for the ruling class
• They also served as an evidence of unity and sense of purpose
• The Conical Towers were used for religious purposes as a shrine to offer sacrifices and praise to Mwari
• To learn more go to the topic: Reasons for the building of Great Zimbabwe

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