Palaces of Stone

Across southern Africa are more than 460 remarkable stone palaces. These include the more famous world heritage sites of Great Zimbabwe, Khami Ruins and Mapungubwe, but many are as yet unknown. Palaces of Stone covers the events that led to the rise and demise of southern Africa's earliest societies (from AD 900-1850) and explores the symbolism and
Across the face of southern Africa are more than 460 remarkable stone palaces,
once the abodes of kings. Some are small, others ramble, but many are absolutely
astonishing: all are the legacy of kingdoms past.

Palaces of Stone brings to life the story of these early African societies, from AD 900 to approximately 1850. Some, such as Great Zimbabwe and Khami in Zimbabwe and Mapungubwe in South Africa, are famous world heritage sites, but the
majority are unknown to the general public, unsung and unappreciated.
Yet, the stone ruins that have survived tell a common story of innovative
architecture and intricate stonework; flourishing local economies; long-distance
travel; global trade; and emerging forms of political organisation.

By exploring a selection of known and unknown sites, Palaces of Stone reimagines
the apparently empty spaces bequeathed to us by history, an Africa of places that
once hummed with life. All that remains now are the ruins - a bedrock from which to
unravel the past and understand the present.