The ruined cities of Mashonaland: Being a record of excavation and exploration in 1891

"The Ruined Cities of Mashonaland: Being a Record of Excavation and Exploration" by J. Theodore Bent is a historical exploration of South African ruins in the late 1800s. It tells about Bent's journey investigating ancient structures, especially the Great Zimbabwe ruins, as a way to understand the people who built them and their way of life. The story explains how Bent, his wife, and R. W. M. Swan carefully looked at the local people, their traditions, and the land, all while searching for these historic sites to reveal ancient civilizations. The narrative gives insights into his interactions with locals and hints at how they connect to the ruins, setting up a story about old buildings and objects.