Zvongombe Archaeological Site

Site of first capital of the Monomutapas. Kingdom of Mutapa (1430–1760) The decline of Great Zimbabwe in the 1400’s lead to the establishment of the Mutapa State. According to oral tradition, Chibatamatosi sent a messenger north to look for salt (wealth) circa 1420. From the samples that were found Chibatamatosi’s son, Nyatsimba Mutota took a portion of the people and moved up to the modern-day Centenary area, establishing the first capital at Zvongombe. Mutota assimilated weaker tribes and formed an alliance with the Tavara high priest, Dzivaguru. Later this state would trade with the Portuguese and become known as Monomutapa. The legend of Mutota grew as he consolidated his dominance in the area and became known as Mwenemutapa - Ruler of the Conquered Lands. Subsequently, Mutota is seen as the originator of the Zezuru Shona and ancestral guardian (mhondoro).

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