Granite landforms and water storage at Great Zimbabwe

Abstract

Recent research at Great Zimbabwe (1100–1750 ad) interpreted the earthen scars or depressions located within the monumental complexes and referred to in the archaeological record as dhaka pits, as water storage facilities. Beyond these pits, I examine the broader landscape context of Great Zimbabwe to understand the site’s catchment area, which, though limited in extent, comprises a hilly terrain that allows for rapid run-off. This necessitated the harvesting and storage of water for consumption at Great Zimbabwe. The associated granite geology is part of the crystalline rocks characterising much of the Zimbabwe craton, and such geological contexts served as aquifers that also stored water that the ancient residents used. Geological research during the past two or so decades on the potential of composite or weathered-fractured rock aquifers developing within the weathered overburden calls for a deeper understanding of granite hydrogeologic properties in the context of water conservation. In this article, I demonstrate that this knowledge was already known by residents of Great Zimbabwe more than five centuries ago.