Discovery of Chinese Pottery Shard Links Great Zimbabwe to Ancient Trade Routes
What Happened?
A jade-green pottery shard found at Great Zimbabwe has been identified as Longquan celadon from China, suggesting ancient trade connections across continents. This discovery, along with glass beads, indicates the city's extensive trade networks.
Key points
- The pottery shard is identified as Longquan celadon, a type of Chinese pottery.
- It was discovered in an archaeological trench at Great Zimbabwe.
- The shard's smooth glaze indicates it was fired at high temperatures, above 2,000°F.
- Glass beads found alongside the pottery suggest trade connections with Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
- The findings indicate that Great Zimbabwe was part of a larger trade network, not an isolated settlement.
Key insights
- The presence of Chinese pottery in Great Zimbabwe indicates significant long-distance trade.
- This discovery may lead to further research on ancient trade routes connecting Africa and Asia.
- The findings could reshape our understanding of Great Zimbabwe's role in global trade networks.
Why it matters
This discovery highlights the historical trade connections between Africa and Asia, revealing the extent of cultural exchange.
Tags
Entities
Source
Times of India