Reasons for the fall of the Rozvi State

The following factors led to the eventual fall of the Rozvi state:

• The death of the Changamire Dombo who had founded the empire because of his charisma and military prowess.
• The rise of Weak and uncharismatic leaders.
• Succession disputes that were often accompanied by factionalism and
• Civil Wars
• The refusal to pay tribute by some vassal chiefs as a way of challenging the authority of the mambo over them.
• Rebellions
• Failure by the Tumbare to maintain law and order in the kingdom.
• The decline of the gold trade.
• The vast size of the state which made control and communication difficult.
• The persistent droughts that afflicted the kingdom.
• Attacks by the Mfecane groups such as the Shangaane.
• Attacks by the Portuguese.
• Attacks by the Hiya of Dondo area.

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