AMSCO AP World History Practice Test 2025 - Free AP World History Practice Questions and Study Guide

The decline of Great Zimbabwe is often attributed to environmental degradation, which significantly affected the sustainability of its economy and resource management. As the state relied heavily on agriculture and cattle herding, the overuse of land and depletion of natural resources led to soil erosion and reduced agricultural productivity. This degradation weakened the economic foundation of Great Zimbabwe, making it difficult to support its growing population and diminishing its wealth and influence.

Increased conflicts with neighboring tribes and the loss of trade routes could have also played roles in the broader context of the decline, but they were not the primary factors. The geographical isolation of Great Zimbabwe was not a direct cause of its decline, as its location initially facilitated trade. However, the environmental challenges it faced ultimately proved to be a more critical factor in its downfall, as the inability to sustain productive agriculture and manage resources directly impacted the civilization's longevity.