Final answer:
Great Zimbabwe was abandoned for several reasons, including a shift in trade routes, soil erosion, and reduced rainfall. These factors led to economic decline, resource scarcity, and population decline.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to oral tradition, the reason Great Zimbabwe was abandoned is likely attributed to a combination of factors, including a shift in trade routes, soil erosion, and a decline in rainfall. While there is no definitive answer, these factors contributed to the decline of the civilization. Trade routes shifted north, reducing the economic importance of Great Zimbabwe. Additionally, soil erosion and reduced rainfall made the land unfit for cattle and farming, leading to resource scarcity and population decline.