Fact Check: "Great Zimbabwe was historically believed by European colonialists as the creation of non-African people, more notably King Solomon"
What We Know
The claim that European colonialists believed Great Zimbabwe was created by non-African people, specifically attributing its origins to figures like King Solomon, is supported by multiple historical analyses. European scholars in the 19th century often dismissed the idea that indigenous Africans could have constructed such monumental architecture, instead suggesting that it was built by ancient civilizations such as the Phoenicians or even biblical figures like Solomon (source-1, source-3).
The book A Hunter’s Wanderings in Africa (1881) by William Charles Baldwin, which inspired H. Rider Haggard's King Solomon's Mines, played a significant role in popularizing the myth that Great Zimbabwe was linked to King Solomon, reinforcing the colonial narrative that non-African civilizations were responsible for its construction (source-2).
Modern archaeological research has conclusively shown that the builders of Great Zimbabwe were the local Shona people, who established a thriving civilization that engaged in extensive trade and cultural exchange (source-4, source-3).
Analysis
The historical narrative surrounding Great Zimbabwe is deeply intertwined with colonial attitudes and prejudices. The belief that non-African civilizations were responsible for its construction reflects a broader trend of colonial myth-making, which sought to undermine African agency and achievements. This is evident in the writings of European explorers and scholars who often attributed the ruins to "lost" civilizations, thereby denying the capabilities of the indigenous populations (source-6, source-7).
While some sources, like the article from World History Encyclopedia, emphasize the impact of colonial prejudice on the historical understanding of Great Zimbabwe, they also highlight the importance of recognizing the contributions of the Shona people (source-4). The reliability of these sources is bolstered by their academic rigor and the consensus among historians and archaeologists regarding the indigenous origins of the site.
Conclusion
The claim that European colonialists believed Great Zimbabwe was created by non-African people, particularly King Solomon, is True. This belief was rooted in colonial attitudes that dismissed the achievements of African civilizations. Modern research has corrected these misconceptions, affirming that the Great Zimbabwe was built by the local Shona people, who were capable of creating such monumental architecture.
Sources
- Interpreting Solomon in colonial and post-colonial Africa - Link
- COLONIAL MYTH-MAKING AND THE ORIGINS OF GREAT ZIMBABWE - Link
- The Great Zimbabwe – Southern Africa's Epic Ruins - Link
- The Impact of Prejudice on the History of Great Zimbabwe - Link
- Solomonic Legend: The Muslims and the Great Zimbabwe - Link
- Great Zimbabwe: The Stone City Europe Denied Could Be - Link
- Great Zimbabwe: The city Europeans tried to erase - Link
- Bad Archeology: Great Zimbabwe - Link
