Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex
Medieval (1100-1300 CE)·Zagwe·🇪🇹 Amhara, Lalibela, Ethiopia
About
About Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex
Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex in Amhara, Lalibela, Ethiopia is a Medieval (1100-1300 CE) rock_cut attributed to Zagwe. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal chamber 3 × 3 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 12.0334N 39.0453E controls access to Amhara, Lalibela resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey rock_cut for Amhara, Lalibela, illustrating Zagwe 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
- 01Ancestral burial reuse over centuries
- 02Astronomical alignment hypothesis
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. 1200 CE
- Period
- Medieval (1100-1300 CE)
- Culture
- Zagwe
- Purpose
- Rock-cut tomb / hypogeum with funerary function
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 1200 CE
Initial construction of Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex main structure
c. 816 CE
Secondary occupation / refurbishment at Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex
2004–2014
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
12.0334° N · 39.0453° E · 2638 m · 3 mapped features
Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Main Rock_Cut Feature
moundPrimary mound at Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — platform mound with stratified deposits
12.0328° N · 39.0442° ELalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Secondary Enclosure
dromosAncillary dromos at Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — central chambered cairn with stratified deposits
12.0317° N · 39.0435° ELalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Outlier Rock Art Panel
structureOutlier structure panel linked to Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex ceremonial landscape
12.0318° N · 39.0437° E