Aksum monolithic stelae

What it is

Granite monoliths carved as multi-storey towers with false doors and windows; the largest, 33 m and about 520 tonnes, is the largest monolith ever attempted to be raised in antiquity. They were quarried at Gobedra and moved about 4 km.

The Great Stele probably fell while being raised. Ezana's stele (21 m) still stands; the so-called Rome Stele was returned to Ethiopia in 2005.

What it led to

• the technique of quarrying and transporting giant monoliths
• Aksumite wood-and-stone architecture
• funerary monuments of the royal elite

Made possible

• Rock-hewn churches of Lalibelac. 1200

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