Universal History Annotation << Back Last conquistador of Britain S.V. Belov The historical essay is devoted to life and activity of Cecil Rhodes – based in the XIX century Rhodesia – a large British colony in the south of Africa, nowadays making territories of Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, the Republic of South Africa. The main milestones of its biography are characterized, especially his work at the South of Africa and her psychological motivation. Episodes of relationship Roudes with adventurer of Princess Ekaterina Radzivill are described. The author, being the geologist with the African experience, shows a role of diamonds and other mineral resources in colonial expansion and policy Roudes. In particular the Great Dyke of Zimbabwe – a huge crack healed magma unique geological structure, accommodating a variety of minerals shortly summarizes. It is shown, that mineral deposits and raw riches of this territory make today a tidbit for the USA. It is defines their policy in this region. Thus, the struggle for mineral resources plays a key role in the history of the Southern African development. Keywords: Cecile Roudes, Rhodesia, Zimbabwe, South of Africa, Kimberley, diamonds, Great dike, chromites. Contacts: E-mail: belov.s-2011@yandex.ru Pp. 03-11.