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Great Zimbabwe: Mambo Chikanda and the Gold Embargo of 1320
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the untold story of Mambo Chikanda's bold economic gamble: the gold embargo of 1320. As the ruler of Great Zimbabwe, Chikanda cut off the flow of gold to Indian Ocean ports like Sofala and Kilwa in an attempt to force favorable trade terms and assert sovereignty. Lucas explains how this embargo backfired, leading to a rift with the Rozvi and a secret alliance between the nganga and merchants. The conversation also delves into the role of the vaShona ancestors, the mhondoro, and how Chikanda's move reshaped power dynamics. Discover the tensions…
The skinny
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