Khami, a settlement founded in the mid-15th century, became the capital city of Great Zimbabwe in the mid-16th century and thus became the center of the kingdom’s political and economic power. Archaeological investigations at the site have revealed interesting finds indicating the importance of the city on international trade routes in Africa, Asia, and Europe. (...)
Khami, a settlement founded in the mid-15th century, became the capital city of Great Zimbabwe in the mid-16th century and thus became the center of the kingdom’s political and economic power. Archaeological investigations at the site have revealed interesting finds indicating the importance of the city on international trade routes in Africa, Asia, and Europe. In the 17th century, the area was invaded and the settlement fell into decline.
In recognition of its cultural value, Khami was designated a National Monument in 1937. During the 1940s, conservation efforts improved stabilization of the walls, but since then the cement used has caused other conservation problems. In addition, the site has suffered environmental damage typical of many archaeological sites: water infiltration, erosion from exposure to wind-borne sand, and animal and plant infestation. For these reasons, Khami was on the 1996 and 2000 Watch lists.
