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Great Zimbabwe's Cattle Wealth: The Mambo's Royal Herds
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the central role of cattle in the economy, politics, and ritual life of Great Zimbabwe. While previous episodes covered gold, ivory, and trade, here we focus on the royal herds that underpinned the Mambo's power. Lucas explains how Nguni cattle were not just a source of meat and milk but a form of currency, used for lobola (bride price) and tribute. He describes the seasonal grazing routes managed by herders, the importance of cattle in the dhlandhlo ceremony, and how the Mambo redistributed livestock to maintain loyalty among chiefs. The episode…
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