Demise of Great Zimbabwe and Kilwa

Great Zimbabwe's decline is not very well known but researchers still have reasons to why they declined. One reason is that farmers may have exhausted the soil through overproduction of crops which led them to leave, and in turn led the government to collapse through loss of taxes. Another reason is that the gold ran out in the mines so the people went north for better riches. As with most nations, the collapse of trade could also have been a significant factor in Great Zimbabwe's demise.

One main factor in the collapse of Kilwa, was invasion by the Portuguese in the 16th century, who sought their trade networks. The bubonic plague was also a factor, because it weakened Kilwa's trade routes, increased the price of gold and led many people to abandon the city to avoid death. Both of these factors led to Kilwa being greatly destroyed both economically and agriculturally. Their largest mosque was left unfinished and the people never rebuilt it. Although, Kilwa recovered after the plague and became an empire again they were never able to accomplish what they had before.

Ruins of Great Zimbabwe 👇