Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Southern Extension
Medieval (1100-1300 CE)·Zagwe·🇪🇹 Amhara, Lalibela, Ethiopia
About
About Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Southern Extension
Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Southern Extension 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 chamber 5 × 2 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 12.0416N 39.0379E 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
- 01Construction labor organization
- 02Chronology and phasing
Theories
- 01Tribal capital and ritual aggregation
- 02Seasonal gathering locus
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 — Southern Extension main structure
c. 887 CE
Secondary occupation / refurbishment at Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Southern Extension
19th–20th century
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Southern Extension) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
12.0416° N · 39.0379° E · 2629 m · 4 mapped features
- Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Southern Extension — Main Rock_Cut FeaturestructurePrimary structure at Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Southern Extension — enclosure wall with stratified deposits12.0421° N · 39.0373° E
- Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Southern Extension — Secondary EnclosureenclosureAncillary enclosure at Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Southern Extension — central chambered cairn with stratified deposits12.0419° N · 39.0372° E
- Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Southern Extension — Outlier Rock Art Panelrock artOutlier rock_art panel linked to Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Southern Extension ceremonial landscape12.0401° N · 39.0367° E
- Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Southern Extension — Hydraulic/Cistern AnnexhydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir at Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Southern Extension with plastered basin12.0410° N · 39.0371° E
Gallery