One hundred years ago
THE Cape Town correspondent of the Times, telegraphing on Monday, states that Mr. Bent's examination of the ruins of Zimbabye has already begun to pro- duce results. The great walled enclosure, which has a circumference of 260 yards, is found to contain a series of emblems which indicate that the building was at some time or other used by a people practising the grosser forms of Nature- worship. The walls when measured turned out to be in some places 40 ft. high and 16 ft. thick. "Two attempts have been made to open the large tower, which is solid and shows no opening at the top. There are ruins on a hill close by of the same age and style. These consist of numerous walls and steps, arches, and walled-up caves." An altar has also been found sculptured with birds and large bowls, and with a frieze representing a hunting scene. "There are four quaggas at which a man is throwing a dart while holding a dog in a leash. Behind are two elephants." These facts seem to point to Phoenician origin, for the Phoenicians were devo- tees of the reproductive powers of Nature. An addition to this information, however, throws us back into darkness. "Some blue and green Persian pottery, and a copper blade plated with gold, have also been found." It is clear that the problem whether the ruins are Phoenician or Persian has not yet been solved. Mr. Bent, however, continues his investigations.
The Spectator, 15 August 1891
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