Why Did Colonial Narratives Hide Great Zimbabwe

Great Zimbabwe is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world, featuring massive, dry-stone walls that have stood for centuries. Yet, for a long time, the world was told it was built by outsiders, not the local people of Southern Africa. This video uncovers the truth behind the city's origins and the systematic attempt to erase its African history. We explore how colonial narratives created false myths about the site and why it took decades of dedicated research to prove the truth. We will examine the work of archaeologist Gertrude Caton-Thompson, who risked her reputation to challenge the status quo. You will see how her careful excavation methods finally silenced the theories of external origin and restored the rightful history of the Shona people to the world map. This is a story of scientific integrity triumphing over prejudice. If you enjoy deep dives into how history is recovered and the personal stories of the archaeologists who changed the narrative, this is for you.