Great Zimbabwe: A misunderstood civilization
Written: Oct 24 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: GORGEOUS! Appreciation of ZW history
Cons: Not much else out there
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| nfg78's Full Review: Great Zimbabwe National Monument |
Review Topic: Sights & Attractions
During my 4 month stay in Zimbabwe this was the first landmark I visited in the country. As majestic as Victoria Falls is and as mysterious as the Zambezi river is, I think my visit to great Zimbabwe was the most important to my understanding of the nation of Zimbabwe.
During my tour of the two structures I was immediately amazed by the large structures the ancient Africans created for themselves. Without the tools we have today and with the African sun beating down on their backs they created a temple, meeting ground and homes for themselves. Funny how these structures still stand and houses that were created in 1970 can't make it 20 years!
What was most important to me was the history behind Great Zimbabwe. I learned how the Africans lived, how they performed ceremonies and what the family structure was like. I had a true appreciation for architecture and archaeology.
Our tour guide recounted stories of how the British, when visiting this amazing site, refused to believe that the Africans could make such structures. One theory, which they held to for some time, was that aliens created Great Zimbabwe! They also raided Zimbabwe's historical treasure of its art and jewelry. Even today some of the artifacts (the 6-8 Zimbabwe national stone birds) have not been found.
I was truly amazed by Great Zimbabwe, but the fact that the Europeans could not believe that a non-Western culture was able to create architecture as well as them was an added lesson.
As their namesake, the Zimbabweans really hold onto the pride of the structure and establish nationalism through the structure. One can find it on their money and art. It is something to be proud of, especially because for so long there was not a lot to be proud of. Great Zimbabwe is the platform for Zimabwe's nationalism, and it was an amazing thing to see first hand, and be a part of that pride.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
nfg78
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Location: New York, New York
Reviews written: 14
Trusted by: 3 members
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