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Axum Obelisk

Type Object Region East Africa Time c. 300–700

The Axum obelisks are giant stelae carved from single granite blocks by the Kingdom of Axum, the tallest exceeding 30 meters, with false doors, windo…

Timeline

  1. c. 300–400Axum · EthiopiaCraftsmen transported granite from distant quarries and carved monolithic stelae with stacked tiers, false doors, and arched windows; masterpieces such as the Great Stele were completed in this period.
  2. c. 600–700Axum · EthiopiaAfter the kingdom converted to Christianity, the stela tradition persisted, with churches built beside some stelae; in the 6th–7th century site, stelae stand alongside religious buildings, witnessing the transition of faith.

Sources