page_title: Architecture of Zimbabwe
section_title: Pre-colonial architecture
hierarchical_section_title: Architecture of Zimbabwe / Pre-colonial architecture
caption_attribution_description: English: Outside view (close) of the wall of the great enclosure of Great Zimbabwe.
context_page_description: The architecture of Zimbabwe is composed of three architectural types: the Hill Complex, the Valley Complex, and the Great Enclosure. Both traditional and colonial architectures have influenced the history and culture of the country. However, post-1954 buildings are mainly inspired by pre-colonial, traditional architecture, especially Great Zimbabwe–inspired structures such as the Kingdom Hotel, Harare international airport, and the National Heroes' Acre.
context_section_description: During the second millennium BCE, two conventional styles of stone architecture dominated the architecture of Zimbabwe. The first style was Great Zimbabwe period architecture, which was an extension of natural elements. The well-coursed and thick stone walls were constructed on earth foundations. Well-shaped stones were used to define the external and internal surfaces, while irregular stones were used to fill interstices. Affluent people often lived in residences with nattily-constructed stone enclosures, but with crudely coursed walls are still being a part of the structure.
  The second style is exemplified by Khami’s retaining walls that transform natural elements into built environments. Although structures of this period share some similarities with those of earlier periods at Great Zimbabwe, it is important to note the introduction of the retaining walls. The wall's top supported residential platforms with a profusion of herringbone, chevron, and checkered decor. A grouping of ten terraced platforms in Khami indicate a palace. Both Great Zimbabwe and Khami share some similarities of architectural design, with their differences being influenced by topography, weather, and the availability of building materials.
caption: Free-standing walls of the Great Zimbabwe
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