The Temple of Yeha

    • It is an important pre-Axumite archaeological site mainly known by the large square temple and dated to 500B.C.
    • The temple was built using stone blocks without mortar, and is supposed to be the oldest building in Ethiopia.
    • The ruins of the temple consist of a single roofless oblong chamber. The remaining one wall of the temple is still standing to a height of 12 meters.
    • Many stone-carved inscriptions were also discovered in and around Yeha. They are most likely the earliest inscriptions that have ever been discovered in Ethiopia.

     

    Yeha

     

    The Church Standing near to the Temple of Yeha

     

    • Abba Aftse (one of the Nine Saints) founded the original church in the 6th century. However, the legendary Queen Yodit destroyed it in the 10th century.
    • About 100m east of church compound, several tombs were excavated and a large number of objects were discovered, of which some are now on display in Addis Ababa. Among the uncovered finds were the sacrificial altars, female statues and inscriptions.

     

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