Beta Giyorgis (Church of St. George). Photo: “Bete Giyorgis 03” by Bernard Gagnon is licensed under CC-by-SA-3.0.
Posted on 08/25/2016 10:50:13 AM PDT by fishtank
The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
Ethiopian rock churches
Megan Sauter • 08/25/2016
While many spectacular churches have been constructed in Ethiopia, perhaps the country’s most famous churches are the ones carved out of stone. Located 150 miles south of Aksum, Lalibela is the best example of Ethiopia’s hypogean (rock-hewn) architectural tradition. With 11 rock-hewn churches, Lalibela is understandably a place of pilgrimage for those in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The site Lalibela was originally called Roha, but it eventually took the name of King Lalibela, who ruled around 1200 C.E. as part of the Zagwe dynasty. King Lalibela is traditionally attributed as the builder of all the churches at the site.
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Beta Giyorgis (Church of St. George). Photo: “Bete Giyorgis 03” by Bernard Gagnon is licensed under CC-by-SA-3.0.
Years ago, a National Geographic magazine said such churches were hewn of rock so the moslems could not burn them.
Incredible design and workmanship.
“Lalibela”
Man, I did not read that right the first time. But it was very funny for a few seconds.
I read somewhere that an Ethiopian king who fought the Mahometans actually got a Bull of Crusade from the Pope.
If you ever get someone who bemoans the fact that “Christianity is a white European religion” remind them of Axum, Lalibela and the rest of Ethiopia.
Politely point out to the little dears that the Ethiopians had Christianity before the Anglo-Saxons did. :)
Ethiopians and a few Portuguese kick the crap out of Imam Ahmad ibn Ibrihim al-Ghazi and save Ethiopia from Muslim conquest.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Wayna_Daga
Love the Ethiopians.
Interesting.
Psalm 18:2
Thanks for posting. When some people assert that there are no ancient civilizations in Africa, they are ignoring this.
Interesting to see the post. Back in July I spent two days in Lalibela. The churches are fascinating. The guide there gave the impression that the churches were a response to Jerusalem being in the hands of Muslims. I don’t know enough of the historical details to affirm or critique the interpretation. I gather that there are several opinions on the history and influences of the churches. The Orthodox Church in Ethiopia make claims that may or may not be consistent with various types of evidence.
Near Lalibela there is also a monastery that strongly reminded me of Mesa Verde in Colorado. The caretaker priest there was very happy to show the place to visitors.
It would be awe inspiring to visit these but it’s ain’t gonna happen with the world in the shape it’s in. The bucket list has been discarded.
The Ethiopians were the first Christian kingdom (or the Armenians - I forget).
In Jerusalem, there is a very small Ethiopian church effectively right next door to the church built on the site where they say Jesus was crucified.
There will be some who say nothing happened that day.
I think you’re right. I think there has long been a Jewish community.
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