GERMAN SOLVES RIDDLE OF ZIMBABWE RUINS

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6804, 7 January 1929, Page 12

GERMAN SOLVES RIDDLE OF ZIMBABWE RUINS

CHIEF MINING TOWN OF ANCIENT RACE. The riddle of the great Zimbabwe ruins, in Rhodesia, which has baffled scientists eve r since their discovery, is slowly yielding its secrets. Dr. Frobenius, the eminent German archaeologist, announces that tlie site was once the headquarters of an ancient civilised race, who carried out extensive) mining operations throughout Rhodesia, and must have collected enormous quantities of gold, copper - and (in. l-Io derides the the'"” ruins are the remains of a native fortress, as some have ‘stated. Apparently Zimbabwe was the chief mining town

of an ancient race, with ramifications over a vast area.

“These long-dead people," Dr. Frobenius says, “not only had enormous knowledge of geology,, but possessed technical mining skill, whereof even wo of to-day are ignorant. I have seen shafts sunk with perfect accuracy to a depth of 50ft., with drives underground extending 80ft., and perfectly shaped. How these drives were carried out and ore removed without touching an incli of the surrounding valueless rock it is impossible to say, or how these bygone miners traced valuable uadi..ground seams." When investigating among natives Dr. Frobenius found many ancient min: ing tools used as ornaments, which must have been stolen by their ancestors from the dwellers of Zimbabwe. He also found many traditions giving curious pictures of Zimbabwe civilisation, wherein lie ascertained its relationship with civilisations of other continents. Dr. Frobenius says he is unable to state yet to wlmt remote period Zimbabwe definitely belonged, though it is obvious that Zimbabwe passed through many hands, lie anticipates spending another year investigating .after whicn he hopes to be able to announce a solution of the baffling mystery of ancient Africa.