Yeha Temple of the Moon South Wall
Yeha Temple of the Moon South Wall North Annex · Yeha Site
Classical Antiquity (600 BCE–200 CE) or regional·Classical·🇪🇹 Tigray, Yeha, Ethiopia
About
About Yeha Temple of the Moon South Wall
Yeha Temple of the Moon South Wall in Tigray, Yeha, Ethiopia is a Classical Antiquity (600 BCE–200 CE) or regional temple complex attributed to Classical. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal sanctuary 80 × 55 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 14.2870N 38.9770E controls access to Tigray resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey temple complex for Tigray, Yeha, illustrating Classical construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
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. 450 BCE–100 CE
- Period
- Classical Antiquity (600 BCE–200 CE) or regional
- Culture
- Classical
- Purpose
- Sanctuary and ceremonial centre for state cult
- Rediscovered
- 1972 survey
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 450 BCE–100 CE
Initial construction of Yeha Temple of the Moon South Wall main structure
c. 1912
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1972–2017
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Yeha Temple of the Moon South Wall) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
14.2870° N · 38.9770° E · 164 m · 4 mapped features
Yeha Temple of the Moon South Wall — Main Structure
structurePrincipal temple complex — Sanctuary 80 × 55 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
14.2878° N · 38.9779° EYeha Temple of the Moon South Wall — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
14.2860° N · 38.9763° EYeha Temple of the Moon South Wall — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
14.2885° N · 38.9782° EYeha Temple of the Moon South Wall — Hydraulic/Cistern
hydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site
14.2854° N · 38.9759° E