Abstract
Ethiopia is endowed with many rock-hewn churches, with the largest group in central and eastern Tigrai. These churches can be divided into four zones: the Atsbi, Hawzen-Ger'alta, Sinkata-Adigrat, and Tembien, with more than 100 rock-hewn churches of different ages, sizes, and histories. However, they have one thing in common: All are carved into sandstone. The Enticho, Adigrat, and Ambaradam sandstones (Permo-Carboniferous, Triassic - Middle Jurassic, and Early Cretaceous, respectively) are extensively exposed in these areas and are characterized by thick and massive beds of coarse- to fine-grained and well-sorted successions. These sandstones are easily carved, yet compact enough to withstand pressure. Although limestone, basalt, and crystalline rocks are exposed in the same area, few rock-hewn churches have been carved into them. The rock type is, therefore, the most important factor in the location of these rock-hewn churches.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 649-663 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Geoarchaeology - An International Journal |
Volume | 17 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Oct 2002 |
Externally published | Yes |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Archaeology
- Archaeology
- Earth and Planetary Sciences (miscellaneous)