The Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion in Axum, Ethiopia, is one of the most significant and ancient Christian sites in Africa. It is believed to house the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred artifact in Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. The church's history dates back to the 4th century, during the reign of King Ezana, who converted to Christianity and established the church. The current structure was built in the 17th century by Emperor Fasilides after the original was destroyed.
King Ezana's Stele is a towering ancient monument located in Axum, Ethiopia. This impressive granite obelisk stands as a testament to the architectural and engineering prowess of the Aksumite civilization. Erected during the 4th century under the reign of King Ezana, who is notable for his conversion to Christianity, the stele is intricately carved with false doors, windows, and other architectural elements, mimicking a multi-story building.
The Obelisk of Axum, located in Axum, Ethiopia, is an ancient and significant monument that dates back to the 4th century AD. Standing at approximately 24 meters (79 feet) tall and weighing around 160 tons, it is one of the largest monolithic obelisks ever erected. The obelisk is intricately carved from a single piece of granite, featuring detailed representations of doors and windows, which are believed to mimic the multi-storied palaces of the Axumite civilization. The Obelisk of Axum is one of several stelae in the area, serving as a testament to the architectural prowess and cultural richness of the ancient Axumite Kingdom, which was a powerful trading empire and one of the great civilizations of the ancient world.
Dungur in Axum, Ethiopia, is an archaeological site that is often referred to as the "Palace of the Queen of Sheba." It features the remnants of a large, well-constructed building complex that dates back to the Aksumite civilization, which flourished from around the 1st to the 7th centuries AD. The site includes numerous rooms, a central courtyard, and intricate stonework, indicative of the advanced architectural skills of the Aksumites. Although the exact purpose of the building remains uncertain, it is believed to have been a grand residence or palace.
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