Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Northern Annex
Medieval (1100-1300 CE)·Zagwe·🇪🇹 Amhara, Lalibela, Ethiopia
About
About Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Northern Annex
Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Northern Annex in Amhara, Lalibela, Ethiopia is a Medieval (1100-1300 CE) rock_cut attributed to Zagwe. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal necropolis 7 × 2 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 12.0371N 39.0330E controls access to Amhara, Lalibela resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey rock_cut for Amhara, Lalibela, illustrating Zagwe construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Scale of population vs agricultural catchment
- 02Ritual vs domestic use
Theories
- 01Ancestral burial reuse over centuries
- 02Astronomical alignment hypothesis
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. 1200 CE
- Period
- Medieval (1100-1300 CE)
- Culture
- Zagwe
- Purpose
- Rock-cut tomb / hypogeum with funerary function
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 1200 CE
Initial construction of Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Northern Annex main structure
c. 1269 CE
Secondary occupation / refurbishment at Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Northern Annex
2001–2021
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Northern Annex) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
12.0371° N · 39.0330° E · 2641 m · 3 mapped features
Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Northern Annex — Main Rock_Cut Feature
dromosPrimary dromos at Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Northern Annex — enclosure wall with stratified deposits
12.0356° N · 39.0315° ELalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Northern Annex — Secondary Enclosure
structureAncillary structure at Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Northern Annex — platform mound with stratified deposits
12.0373° N · 39.0315° ELalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Northern Annex — Outlier Rock Art Panel
enclosureOutlier enclosure panel linked to Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Northern Annex ceremonial landscape
12.0354° N · 39.0336° E