– The Great Zimbabwe –
“In the early 20th century, a momentous archaeological discovery was made in the verdant valleys of the Great Zimbabwe, which is situated in modern-day Zimbabwe. Great Zimbabwe, an ancient city built in the 11th century, was once the epicenter of a thriving civilization. The city is renowned for its imposing stone structures known as the Great Enclosure, which comprises majestic towers, imposing walls, and intricate passageways, all constructed using a meticulous dry-stone technique.
Archeologist Gertrude Caton-Thompson, who spearheaded the excavation in 1929, unequivocally ascertained that these edifices were the work of a sophisticated African civilization. Prior to her groundbreaking revelation, it was widely speculated that Great Zimbabwe was constructed by foreign civilizations, such as the Phoenicians or the Queen of Sheba’s subjects. However, Caton-Thompson’s archaeological acumen and meticulous studies revealed the indigenous origins of this monumental city. This revelation precipitated a seismic shift in the perception of African history and civilization, cementing Great Zimbabwe as an indelible testament to the grandeur of ancient African architectural prowess.”
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO words from the text for each answer.
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Choose NO MORE THAN ONE word from the text for each answer. In the nascent 20th century, a pivotal archaeological find was unearthed in the fecund dales of Great Zimbabwe, an age-old metropolis erected in the 11th century and once the hub of a flourishing _________. The city is illustrious for the Great Enclosure, a ________ comprising grandiose turrets, towering barriers, and elaborate labyrinths, assembled through a scrupulous dry-stone approach. Gertrude Caton-Thompson, at the ________ of the 1929 excavation, unambiguously established that these constructions were the creation of an advanced African civilization. Before her trailblazing disclosure, conjecture ________ that the city had been built by extraneous civilizations, such as Phoenicians or Queen of Sheba’s followers. However, her astute archaeological insight and comprehensive analysis divulged the ________ roots of this imposing metropolis, catalyzing a radical alteration in the comprehension of African antiquity and culture, and enshrining Great Zimbabwe as a ________ symbol of ancient African architectural mastery. |
Vocabulary Builder
- Find the synonyms (words with the same or similar meaning) to these 9 words from the original passage.
| Original Word | Variants Used |
|---|---|
| early | _______________________ |
| discovery | __________ / _____________ / _____________ |
| verdant | _______________________ / _______________________ |
| renowned | _______________________ / _______________________ |
| meticulous | _______________________ / _______________________ |
| constructed | __________ / _____________ / _____________ |
| civilization | _______________________ / _______________________ |
| speculated | _______________________ / _______________________ |
| revealed | _______________________ / _______________________ |
