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Global project to unearth Ethiopia’s medieval past

Posted on , Updated on by Elias Kifle

(The University of Winchester) – The University of Winchester is helping to lead an international investigation into one of the most important archaeological sites in Africa.

It is hoped the initiative will advance the understanding of Lalibela, a former medieval capital in the mountains of northern Ethiopia. The town lies on the slopes of Mount Abuna Yosef and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its remarkable rock-cut churches.

“We’re delighted the University will be at the forefront in Europe of research into medieval Ethiopia,” said Dr Niall Finneran from the Department of Archaeology at the University of Winchester. He has just returned from a week-long study trip funded by the British Academy to outline the strategy and direction of the project.

“Strangely enough, up until now, no one has actually done much archaeology in Lalibela,” he explained. “Research has just been centred on the churches.”

Dr Finneran will be heading up a team of archaeologists from the UK, working with French and Ethiopian scholars whose goal will be to study the landscape context of the churches over the next three years. The team will be working closely with local communities as well as the Authority for Research and Conservation for Cultural Heritage to promote a broader understanding of the site.

“Ethiopia’s diverse landscape hosts an enormous wealth of economic, ecological and cultural treasures,” said Dr Finneran who has carried out extensive research within the country over the past 15 years. He is also a member of the publications committee at the French Institute for Ethiopian Studies (CFEE).

“There is much negativity in the press about famine and poverty in Ethiopia – it’s hoped this collaborative project will help enhance opportunities for sustainable tourism in the area.”
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The University of Winchester press office can be contacted by calling 01962 827678 or by emailing [email protected]

6 thoughts on “Global project to unearth Ethiopia’s medieval past”

  1. Weyanes have taken and sold every thing from the churches like lalibela’s cross.what weyane could sell is the churches . now they are going to sell them as a form of post cards. ethiopians need at this time democracy and stable government. we do not need any tourist, because the tourists are going to be another income for terrorist group like TPLF.

  2. Hello yikerebelen,
    I think it is too silly to be negative for everything.
    This is a research and May have good thing at the end.
    I don’t see how selling post card also became a badthing for some of us.

  3. this is a good opportunity to be taken as a renaissance for Ethiopian ancient history. we are recently known only in the field of hunger and maladministration and …etc.
    The young generation of this time any where in this world does not have a good picture of our country. the archaeological investigation report will definitely give the other side of our picture.hope the team will challenge what ever problem they might face and come up with result.

    thank you.
    yigermal
    03.24.2008

  4. Ethiopian history and archeology was distorted by expats including the British for example Axum was built by Yemeni people!!!
    A preparation is also underway to excavate in Aksum. Obviously for exporting Ethiopian treasures. It is profitable than mining. All artifacts will be replaced by fake specimens. After 100 years of Archeological research it is sad only very few artifacts are stored in museum!!
    Now they will conclude Lalibela was built by Portuguese they might inject some bad hypothesis. They will take a lot of designs and Ideas of theology.

    With that , our history and unity will be faded.

    The share of Ethiopian Scholar is round trip to Europe and 1000 Euro monthly and may be coauthor for publication. They should be more patriotic in protecting artifacts and learn skills and the society must benefit. If not the project must be stopped.

  5. thank you for Ethio Review posting all kind of Ethiopian good and bad news. Some of us keep complaning about the goverment all the time. please give the goverment break some time.This is nothing to do with EPDRF OF WOYANE ETC…We need to respect those Ethiopians for making all kind of new and good things for the country…God Bless Ethiopia and USA…..

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