“The Valley of Ruins” has recently (1903) been found to consist of three groups, each of which includes several distinct ruins, some being of an important character.
The area is divided as follows:—
1. Lower or north-eastern section, including the Posselt, Philips, and Maund Ruins.
2. Middle section, which lies between the lower section and the edge of the slope of land on the north-east side of the Elliptical Temple.
3. Upper section, including all ruins between the Elliptical Temple and the edge of the slope overlooking lower portions of “The Valley of Ruins.”
Before describing these complicated groups there are some features represented by them which may be mentioned.
(a) Several of these ruins, especially those in the lower section, are exceedingly massive and well built, the courses marvellously true with an absence of straight joints. The curves of the wall are beautifully designed and are laid on boldly sweeping lines. The material is good, and is also most carefully selected and sized. The masonry of many of the walls is far superior to that of some of the divisional walls of the Elliptical Temple and to the majority of the walls on the Acropolis.
(b) The absence of the angular style of buildings, except with certain structures in the middle section. Rounded entrances and buttresses and gracefully rounded ends of walls form the most prevailing features of most of these ruins. Two conical towers, several very large semi-circular buttresses or platforms form prominent features. Two drains were discovered (1903) in Philips Ruins and three in Posselt Ruins (B).
(c) The middle section is poorly built, and possesses some angular features. The upper section is well built.
(d) The discovery (1903) in the lower section of these ruins of gold articles, decorated and plain soapstone beams and relics of the oldest type, including the soapstone beam with bird on summit—the finest specimen yet found in Zimbabwe—point to the fact that certain of these ruins were used for somewhat higher purposes than those of forts or workshops, possibly, as many now suggest, as residences for priests or officials connected with the temple. This surmise is justifiable, seeing that the north-east passage connects such well-built and substantial portions of these mines directly with the North Entrance and Parallel Passage and Sacred Enclosure of the Elliptical Temple. In the lower section of these ruins there are no traces of ancient or native industries having been carried on.