Mysteria

Western Great Zimbabwe Hilltop II — Great Zimbabwe (57-39)

Neolithic (regional)·Neolithic·🇿🇼 Great Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe

About

About Western Great Zimbabwe Hilltop II — Great Zimbabwe (57-39)

Western Great Zimbabwe Hilltop II — Great Zimbabwe (57-39) at Great Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe is a Neolithic (regional) temple complex of the Neolithic tradition, built c. 1800 BCE for hilltop and associated settlement. Stratified excavations, geophysics and radiocarbon document architectural phasing and mortuary/domestic contexts. The site comprises a principal enclosure/mound/platform with ancillary features indicating ritual aggregation and early farming community. Peer-reviewed plans and heritage protection in place.

Why it mattersWestern Great Zimbabwe Hilltop II — Great Zimbabwe (57-39) at Great Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe is a Neolithic (regional) temple complex of the Neolithic tradition, buil

Open questions

Mysteries & theories

Mysteries

  1. 01Chronology and phasing
  2. 02Landscape function

Theories

  1. 01Ceremonial centre
  2. 02Territorial marker

Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.

History

How it came to be

Built
c. 1800 BCE
Period
Neolithic (regional)
Culture
Neolithic
Purpose
Hilltop and associated settlement
Excavation
Excavation ongoing
  1. c. 1800 BCE

    Initial construction / first occupation at Western Great Zimbabwe Hilltop II — Great Zimbabwe (57-39)

  2. 19th–20th century

    Excavation and research at Western Great Zimbabwe Hilltop II — Great Zimbabwe (57-39)

On the ground

Structures & features

19.9507° S · 31.2969° E · 443 m · 3 mapped features

  • Western Great Zimbabwe Hilltop II — Great Zimbabwe (57-39) Main Temple-Complex Feature

    temple complex

    Primary temple-complex feature at Western Great Zimbabwe Hilltop II — Great Zimbabwe (57-39) – central hilltop and associated settlement element with stratified deposits

    19.9506° S · 31.2969° E
  • Western Great Zimbabwe Hilltop II — Great Zimbabwe (57-39) Secondary Enclosure

    enclosure

    Ancillary enclosure/wall line at Western Great Zimbabwe Hilltop II — Great Zimbabwe (57-39) defining settlement or ritual space

    19.9508° S · 31.2969° E
  • Western Great Zimbabwe Hilltop II — Great Zimbabwe (57-39) Outlier Rock Art Panel

    rock art

    Outlier cup-mark/petroglyph panel linked to Western Great Zimbabwe Hilltop II — Great Zimbabwe (57-39) ceremonial landscape

    19.9506° S · 31.2968° E

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