text: Technology and economy The economic power of the Rozvi empire was based on cattle herding, farming, and gold mining. Crops included sorghum and millet, and the state depended heavily on subsistence farming. Livestock was important; they kept sheep, goats, cattle and chickens; men who owned much livestock had high social status. Mining was a major branch and was done by men. Internal and external trade were important, especially with Arab traders, exchanging ivory, copper and gold for guns, salt, beads and sea shells.
  Rozvi kings revived the tradition of stone building and constructed impressive cities, now known as 'zimbabwes', throughout the southwest. Polychrome pottery was also emblematic. Warriors were armed with spears, shields, bows and arrows. Portuguese records show that the Rozvi were sophisticated military strategists. They were noted for using the cow-horn formation years before the great Zulu leader Shaka adopted it in the 19th century. Armed with spears, shields, bows and arrows, the aggressive Rozvi took over the Zimbabwe plateau.
  List of rulers
  Names and dates taken from John Stewart's African States and Rulers (1989).
  Changamire I (–1494)
  Changamire II (1494–1530)
  Changamire Tumbare (1530–)
  Changamire Dombo 1695–1720)
  Changamire Zharare ()
  Changamire Negamo (–1710)
  Chirisamuru (–1788)
  Changamire Dhafa(–1824)
  Changamire Baswi ()
  Changamire Chirisamuru II (–1836)