1-155-193 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Ruins of Great Zimbabwe, Africa, 1892. Ruins including a massive round tower. The discovery in 1867 of ruins of a hilltop fortress and stone monoliths covering a 60 acre site in southern Africa caused great archaeological interest. Great Zimbabwe was at the centre of an inland empire ruled by the Karanga (Shona) people, which reached the peak of its influence between the 11th and 15th centuries. Parts of the ruins date from the 8th century although archaeologists believe that the site was occupied as much as 600 years earlier. From Proceedings of the Royal Geographical Society, London, 1892.