Yeha — South Altar Pre-Aksumite (Tigray, Ethiopia, Alt Sector)
ይሐ · Yeha S Altar
Bronze Age to Classical (2000 BCE–500 CE)·Multi-period temple culture·🇪🇹 Tigray, Yeha South, Ethiopia
About
About Yeha — South Altar Pre-Aksumite (Tigray, Ethiopia, Alt Sector)
Yeha — South Altar Pre-Aksumite (Tigray, Ethiopia, Alt Sector) in Tigray, Yeha South, Ethiopia is a Bronze Age to Classical (2000 BCE–500 CE) temple complex attributed to Multi-period temple culture. Systematic survey and photogrammetry document radiocarbon sequence. The site includes a principal necropolis and ancillary necropolis. Dimensions temple 32 m × 18 m; court 45 m × 30 m; area 37.0 ha. Excavation excavated; condition partially preserved. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Multi-period temple culture temple-complex with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 2120 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Function and labor organization
- 02Chronology and phasing
Theories
- 01Territorial marker
- 02Elite residence 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. 1500 BCE
- Period
- Bronze Age to Classical (2000 BCE–500 CE)
- Culture
- Multi-period temple culture
- Purpose
- Temple and sanctuary complex
- Rediscovered
- 1916
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 1500 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c. 917 BCE
Major refurbishment / second phase
1922
Modern rediscovery and excavation
c. 1413 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
14.2700° N · 39.0100° E · 2120 m · 4 mapped features
- Main Temple CellacellaMain Temple Cella at Yeha — South Altar Pre-Aksumite (Tigray, Ethiopia, Alt Sector) — cella with stratified deposits14.2708° N · 39.0087° E
- North Court AncillarycourtNorth Court Ancillary at Yeha — South Altar Pre-Aksumite (Tigray, Ethiopia, Alt Sector) — court with stratified deposits14.2709° N · 39.0111° E
- Pylon GatepylonPylon Gate at Yeha — South Altar Pre-Aksumite (Tigray, Ethiopia, Alt Sector) — pylon with stratified deposits14.2705° N · 39.0094° E
- Altar PlatformaltarAltar Platform at Yeha — South Altar Pre-Aksumite (Tigray, Ethiopia, Alt Sector) — altar with stratified deposits14.2691° N · 39.0097° E
Gallery