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A lavishly illustrated photographic journey through the history and traditions of the ancient churches of Ethiopia.
The ancient Aksumite Kingdom, now a part of Ethiopia, was among the first in the world to adopt Christianity as the official state religion. In AD 340 King Ezana commissioned the construction of the imposing basilica of St. Mary of Tsion. It was here, the Ethiopians say, that Menelik, son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, brought the Ark of the Covenant containing the Ten Commandments. By the fifth century, nine saints from Byzantium were spreading the faith deep into the mountainous countryside, and over the next ten centuries a series of spectacular churches were either built or excavated out of solid rock, all of them in regular use to this day. Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has the best known cluster, but the northern region of Tigray, less well known and more remote, has many churches that are architectural masterpieces of the basilical type.
Ethiopia: The Living Churches of an Ancient Kingdom traces the broad sweep of ecclesiastic history, legend, art, and faith in this sub-Saharan African kingdom as seen through the prism of sixty-six breathtaking churches, unveiling the secrets of their medieval murals, their colorful history, and the rich panoply of their religious festivals, all illustrated with more than eight hundred superb color photographs by some of the most celebrated international photographers of traditional cultures. This magnificent, large-format, full-color volume is the most comprehensive celebration yet published of Ethiopia’s extraordinary Christian heritage.
Ethiopia is the third book on iconic places of worship published by Ludwig Publishing and the American University in Cairo Press, following the bestselling success of The Churches of Egypt and The History and Religious Heritage of Old Cairo.
“The book’s stunning photography captures a life that few outsiders have witnessed, and presents these places in all their splendor while also recording the daily observances of the faithful. This has been achieved through many years of dedication and deep commitment to the authenticity of the events and moments that the camera has caught. It is a labor of love, and also a precious testimony for all who would like to learn about beautiful places that are richly enhanced by the traditions that they preserve.” —Bonnie Burnham, President Emerita, World Monuments Fund
"This is a unique book written by world authorities on the history and culture of Ethiopia. The photographs bring the sites to life and capture the hearts of us all. I was in awe as I laid eyes on the rock-carved churches of Lalibela, and I was even more impressed by King Lalibela's vision in creating a New Jerusalem . . . truly a vision of a great king. The inspiring photographs and descriptions of the churches bring to light the simplicity, veneration, and godliness of these places. This is a call for readers to go visit Ethiopia, and it will surely make this country one of the top religious tourism destinations in the world." —Zahi Hawass, UN ambassador for Global Cultural Heritage
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Part 1: Axum and Tigray
Introduction
Mary of Tsion
Abba Pantaleon Monastery
Debre Damo Monastery
Maryam Quiat
Medhane Alem, Adi Kasho
Petros & Paulos
Mikael Milhayzenghi
Maryam Korkor/Abba Daniel, Korkor
Maryam Papasetti
Yohannes Maequddi
Debre Tsion (Abune Abraham)
Abune Yemata
Abune Gebre Mikael
Abba Yohanni Monastery
Gebriel Wukien
Wkro Maryam
Abreha Atsbeha
Wukro Cherkos
Mikael Imba
Abba Meta
Church of Eyesus
Abba Aftse
Abba Garima Monastery
Arbate Ensesa (Church of the Four Beasts)
Selassie Degum
Mariam Hibito
Eyesus Gwahegot
Mariam Irefeda
Mikael Debre Salem
Mikael Barka
Selassie Chelakot
Eyesus Hinsta
Part 2: Lalibela and Lasta
Introduction
Biete Medhane Alem (House of the Savior of the World)
Biete Maryam (House of St. Mary)
Biete Meskel (House of the Cross)
Biete Denagel (House of the Virgins)
Biete Debre Sina & Golgotha (Churches of Mount Sinai & Golgotha)
Biete Amanuel (House of Emmanuel)
Biete Qeddus Mercoreus (House of St. Mark)
Biete Abba Libanos (House of Abbot Libanos)
Biete Gabriel Rafael (House of the Angels Gabriel & Raphael)
Biete Giyorgis (House of St. George)
Ashetan Maryam Monastery
AEmakena Medhane Alem
BLideta Maryam
Genneta Maryam
Meskela Christos
Bilbala Giorgis
Bilbala Chirkos
Biete Uriel (House of Uriel) and Lehem and Monolith
Neakuto Leab
Part 3: Gondar and Lake Tana
Introduction
Debre Berhan Selassie
Qusquam
Kibran Gabriel Monastery
Ura Kidane Mehret Monastery
Azwa Mariam Monastery
Narga Selassie Monastery
Mandaba Medhane Alem Monastery
Debre Sina Monastery, Debre Mariam Monastery
Bahir Galila Zacharias Monastery
Debre Selassie
Kota Mariam
Betre Mariam
Part 4: Timkat
Timkat
Notes
Glossary
Bibliography
Index