Question

What might have been the purpose of the walls in Great Zimbabwe?

Answer 1

Some experts have tried to come up with a list of plausible uses of the various structures at Great Zimbabwe; The great Zimbabwe walls were called The Great Enclosure or Imbahuru and their purpose were; Defence- that is to withstand any attacks from the state’s enemies; They also served as the residence of the ruling family; They separated the ruling class from the commoners. The Great Enclosure was more luxurious than those in the valley where commoners lived.

Answer 2

The walls are thought to have been a symbolic show of authority, designed to preserve the privacy of royal families and set them apart from and above commoners. It is also important to note that the walls surrounded and later adjoined huts made of daga (mud and thatch), linked with them to form a series of courtyards.