The Great Zimbabwe ruins stand as a testament to the architectural prowess of medieval Africa. Built between the 11th and 15th centuries, these ruins near Masvingo, Zimbabwe, were once the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe. The city served as a pivotal trading hub in southern Africa, engaging in commerce with Arab and Persian merchants.
Despite the mystery surrounding its decline, the Great Zimbabwe ruins remain a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing the political, economic, and cultural complexities of medieval African societies.
![ruins](https://learn1.open.ac.uk/mod/oublog/pluginfile.php/15/mod_oublog/message/282272/Great%20Zimbabwe%20National%20Monument%20%28Zimbabwe%29%20-%20Graciela%20Gonzales%20Brigas%20-%20African%20Heritage.jpg)