Great Zimbabwe and Persian Gardens

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the lecture about the Great Zimbabwe and Persian Gardens, focusing on their historical significance, architecture, and social structures.

Great Zimbabwe

Ruins of the main city of a powerful empire in Zimbabwe, significant for its trade and architecture.

Shona

The ethnic group associated with the Great Zimbabwe, known for their capital city that flourished between the 11th and 13th centuries.

Mercantile Activity

Trade activities related to commerce; significant in Great Zimbabwe due to nearby gold and copper mines.

Tributary Cities

Smaller cities or settlements that pay taxes or tributes to a larger empire or kingdom, enriching its rulers.

Patriarchal Society

A social system in which men hold primary power; evident in the hierarchy of Great Zimbabwe.

Charbagh

A traditional Persian garden layout divided into four quadrants, reflecting cosmic order and paradise.

Kannat

An ancient Persian irrigation system consisting of tunnels that bring underground water to the surface for gardens.

Cypress Tree

A tree significant in Persian gardens symbolizing eternal life, often integrated into the garden's design.

Dhaka Pits

Water reservoirs used in Great Zimbabwe to manage water supply for crops and livestock.

Monty Don

British garden historian known for his documentaries on Persian gardens and their historical significance.

Urban Planning

The design and organization of cities, which in Isfahan, was influenced by the principles of Persian gardens.

Sorrow (Tsoro)

A traditional strategy game from the Shona civilization, linked to military training and tactics.

Cultural Hybridity

The blending of cultural influences as seen in the design and function of Persian gardens across regions.

Caravanserai

An inn with a courtyard for travelers and their animals, often found along trade routes in historical empires.

Asymmetrical Filters

Latticework screens used in Islamic architecture to provide privacy while allowing views to the garden.

Imperial Capital

The central city representing the political power of an empire, as exemplified by the architectural designs in Isfahan.

Architectural Landscape

The physical layout and design of structures in a region, significant in Great Zimbabwe's impressive stone features.

Pazargard

The royal garden built by Cyrus the Great, exemplifying the design principles of Persia that influenced gardens worldwide.

Elite Class

The ruling and privileged members of society, particularly significant in the social structure of Great Zimbabwe.

Bantu-speaking People

Ethnic groups in Africa, including the ancestors of the Shona, known for their cultural and historical contributions.