Hydraulic System at Earthwork Keld Stone
Earthwork Keld Stone
Yayoi (300 BCE–300 CE)·Yayoi·🇪🇹 Northern Tigray, Ethiopia
About
About Hydraulic System at Earthwork Keld Stone
Hydraulic System at Earthwork Keld Stone in Northern Tigray, Ethiopia is a Yayoi (300 BCE–300 CE) hydraulic attributed to Yayoi culture. Systematically investigated through systematic survey and test trenching, it presents a fortified nucleus with hydraulic works. Construction employs cyclopean blocks and demonstrates long-distance exchange. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans verify location and chronology.
Why it mattersKey Yayoi hydraulic with stratified sequence and regional significance.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Long-distance exchange networks
- 02Function as ceremonial vs domestic centre
Theories
- 01Centralized storage and redistribution (Cunliffe)
- 02Astronomical observatory and calendar
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 237 BCE
- Period
- Yayoi (300 BCE–300 CE)
- Culture
- Yayoi
- Purpose
- Residential and craft production
- Excavation
- Unexcavated
c. 237 BCE
Initial construction and primary occupation
c. 370 BCE
Secondary construction phase
c. 128 CE
Abandonment and gradual burial
1986
Archaeological identification via aerial survey
On the ground
Structures & features
13.1759° N · 38.5870° E · 1960 m · 4 mapped features
Burial Cluster
ditchAncillary reservoir associated with main monument
13.1778° N · 38.5889° EReservoir/Cistern
gatewayHydraulic feature — canal
13.1751° N · 38.5864° ETemple Platform
stelaAncillary settlement associated with main monument
13.1770° N · 38.5887° EHydraulic Channel
cisternAncillary necropolis associated with main monument
13.1739° N · 38.5893° E