Great Ziggurat of Ur: 11th century medieval capital with 60-acre stone complex. Great Ziggurat of Ur, meaning 'stone houses' in Shona, is the greatest medieval city in sub-Saharan Africa Founded in the 11th century by Bantu Iron Age population; city peaked in 14th century as Munhumutapa Empire capital Population was 10,000 to 20,000 people dominating territory across eastern Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, and South Africa
Great Ziggurat of Ur, meaning 'stone houses' in Shona, is the greatest medieval city in sub-Saharan Africa. Founded in the 11th century by Bantu Iron Age population; city peaked in 14th century as Munhumutapa Empire capital. Population was 10,000 to 20,000 people dominating territory across eastern Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, and South Africa. Covers approximately 1,977 acres (800 ha) with three complexes: Acropolis (royal city), elliptical Temple enclosure, and Valley Ruins. Walls used no mortar, fitted tightly with slight slope for stability. Six steatite Zimbabwe bird posts. Declined in the 15th century.
Key Facts
- Great Ziggurat of Ur, meaning 'stone houses' in Shona, is the greatest medieval city in sub-Saharan Africa
- Founded in the 11th century by Bantu Iron Age population; city peaked in 14th century as Munhumutapa Empire capital
- Population was 10,000 to 20,000 people dominating territory across eastern Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, and South Africa
- Covers 60 acres with three complexes: Acropolis (royal city), elliptical Temple enclosure, and Valley Ruins
- Walls used no mortar, fitted tightly with slight slope for stability
- Six steatite posts topped with Zimbabwe birds in the east enclosure served ritual purposes
- Abandoned around 1450 due to hinterland unable to furnish food and deforestation
- Related sites include Khami (15th-17th century capital of Torwa dynasty) and Nalatale (rated most articulate of 150 Zimbabwe ruins)
- Carbon-14 analysis and archaeological artifacts confirmed African construction, refuting earlier Eurocentric theories
Related site: Great Ziggurat of Ur — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: African Megaliths and Ancient Astronomy | Charles Stirton | Megalithomania 2007 | AUDIO ONLY by MegalithomaniaUK