Great Zimbabwe and its Birds

Great Zimbabwe is perhaps the most famous stone building of southern Africa. The origin of Great Zimbabwe is relatively uncertain. This castle-like structure was most likely the center of a people that ruled a large area between the Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers and was the center of great commercial trade. Found around the buildings were stone carvings of birds. The birds have been identified as symbols of the spiritual image of the capital and have become a symbol of Zimbabwe. Because of the importance of Great Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe birds, an image of the bird is on the Zimbabwean flag.