Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Western Terrace
Medieval (1100-1300 CE)·Zagwe·🇪🇹 Amhara, Lalibela, Ethiopia
About
About Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Western Terrace
Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Western Terrace 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 enclosure 4 × 4 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 12.0394N 39.0292E 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
- 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 — Western Terrace main structure
c. 1222 CE
Secondary occupation / refurbishment at Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Western Terrace
19th–20th century
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Western Terrace) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
12.0394° N · 39.0292° E · 2637 m · 3 mapped features
- Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Western Terrace — Main Rock_Cut Featurerock artPrimary rock art at Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Western Terrace — burial gallery with stratified deposits12.0379° N · 39.0303° E
- Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Western Terrace — Secondary EnclosurehydraulicAncillary hydraulic at Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Western Terrace — platform mound with stratified deposits12.0412° N · 39.0302° E
- Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Western Terrace — Outlier Rock Art PanelnecropolisOutlier necropolis panel linked to Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Western Terrace ceremonial landscape12.0387° N · 39.0301° E
Gallery