Mapungubwe and the Origins of the Zimbabwe Culture

Abstract

Class distinction and sacred leadership characterised the Zimbabwe culture, the most complex society in precolonial southern Africa. This complex society evolved between AD 1000 and 1300 at the sites of K2 and Mapungubwe in the Shashe-Limpopo Valley. Tremendous wealth from long distance trade and an increased population stimulated a series of internal transformations involving economy, social organisation, ideology, religion and settlement patterns. The abandonment of Mapungubwe for climatic reasons led to the rise of Great Zimbabwe 250 km to the north-east.