Hawelti — Melazo Aksumite Center
Proto-Aksumite (500 BCE–100 CE)·Hawelti-Melazo (Pre-Aksumite to Aksumite transition)·🇪🇹 Tigray Region, Ethiopia
About
About Hawelti — Melazo Aksumite Center
Hawelti — Melazo Aksumite Center in Tigray Region, Ethiopia is a Proto-Aksumite (500 BCE–100 CE) temple-complex attributed to Hawelti-Melazo (Pre-Aksumite to Aksumite transition). Aksumite satellite with stelae and altar base southeast of Aksum. De Contenson: Hawelti stelae and throne base, transition from Yeha to Aksum.
Why it mattersImportant Hawelti-Melazo (Pre-Aksumite to Aksumite transition) site of coastal/hinterland Tigray Region
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Trade network evidence
- 02Construction chronology
Theories
- 01Long-distance exchange
- 02Kayas sacred landscape
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. 300 BCE stelae
- Period
- Proto-Aksumite (500 BCE–100 CE)
- Culture
- Hawelti-Melazo (Pre-Aksumite to Aksumite transition)
- Purpose
- Aksumite satellite with stelae and altar base southeast of Aksum
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 300 BCE stelae
Initial construction
c. 1920 CE
Antiquarian survey
On the ground
Structures & features
14.1100° N · 38.7500° E · 2100 m · 3 mapped features
Hawelti — Melazo Aksumite Center — Temple Court
courtColumned court
14.1102° N · 38.7501° EHawelti — Melazo Aksumite Center — Sanctuary
sanctuaryInner sanctuary
14.1098° N · 38.7502° EHawelti — Melazo Aksumite Center — Pylon
pylonStone pylon
14.1104° N · 38.7498° E