The Role of Great Zimbabwe – Key Facts

• Centre of trade
  Great Zimbabwe controlled trade routes and exchanged gold and ivory with traders from the coast.

• Religious centre
  It was a spiritual site where people performed religious rituals and worship.

• Political capital
  It served as the seat of the king and was the centre of administration and governance.

• Architectural achievement
  Known for its massive stone walls built without mortar, showing advanced construction skills.

• Decline factors
  The kingdom declined due to soil exhaustion, reduced gold trade, and shortage of salt.

• Legacy
  Its decline led Mutota to move north and form the Mutapa Kingdom.