Early Societies and Pre-colonial States: notes

Sources of history

• Oral tradition: stories passed by word of mouth. It is rich but can change over time.
• Archaeology: studying objects and ruins dug from the ground.
• Written sources: records left by traders, missionaries and officials.

Early states

• Great Zimbabwe: a stone-walled trading and religious centre. Its wealth came from cattle, gold and trade with the coast.
• Mutapa State: in the north, ruled by the Mutapa, strong on gold and ivory trade.
• Torwa and Rozvi States: in the south west. The Rozvi, under the Changamire, built stone-walled capitals such as Khami and Danangombe.
• Ndebele State: founded by Mzilikazi and later ruled by Lobengula. It was organised around the king, regiments and cattle.

Life in early states

• The king was the political and religious leader.
• People farmed, kept cattle, mined and traded.
• Spirit mediums and rain ceremonies were central to religion.

Common mistake

Do not say the early states had no government. They had kings, chiefs, courts and tax in the form of tribute.