New megalithic sites in the vicinity of Aksum, Ethiopia

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Periodical article

Title:	New megalithic sites in the vicinity of Aksum, Ethiopia
Author:	Hagos, Tekle
Year:	2001
Periodical:	Annales d'Éthiopie
Volume:	17
Pages:	35-41
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Ethiopia
Subjects:	Axum polity archaeology prehistoric graves
Abstract:	An archaeological survey was conducted at Aksum (Tigray, Ethiopia) and its vicinity in January and February 2000. The objective was to explore and locate new megalithic sites that could be ascribed to the Aksumite culture of the first millennium AD. New megalithic sites were located at Gobo Dura, Bete Giorgis, Mai Qoho, Kube and Addi Tsehafi in the vicinity of Aksum. Furthermore, three additional stelae sites were located at Hamed Gebez, Asba and Mikael Eyerawi around Aksum. Moreover, new sites that seem to exhibit dolmen and tumuli were discovered at Daero Maichew, Geza Merechen, Gumala and Sheteto Emni to the north of Aksum. In conclusion, the author argues that urbanization poses an increasing threat to the landscape in the vicinity of Aksum. Some of the boulders that exhibit evidence of the Aksumite megalithic heritage are broken down and sold for construction purposes. Urgent action must be taken to avoid further destruction of the Aksumite landscape. Bibliogr., sum. in French and English. [Journal abstract]