jjares reviewed The Lalibela Churches: The History and Legacy of the Medieval Cave Churches in Ethiopia on + 3263 more book reviews
After reading this book, I decided to find some videos to see the churches discussed. I was astounded by the simple beauty of the Medieval Christian churches in Northern Ethiopia. They were carved out of solid rock. There is no mud, cement, or wood; just rock. It took 24 years to complete the churches and were used to validate the dynasty of the new ruler, Lalibela. They were completed in the 12th century.
One fascinating fact is that the Ethiopian Christians were surrounded by Muslims and thus their Christianity differs from the Roman faith because of their isolation (both geographically and religiously). Lalibela built it to be the new Jerusalem.
The book makes a point of noting that this is a UNESCO site (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization). While watching the videos, I realized why saving these churches will be such a difficult job. The churches are constantly in use and are also crowded with tourists. The sites must be 'walked down into' and all aspects of the churches are open to the touch. This is degrading the churches at an alarming rate because everyone seems to want to touch.
Between the written word and the videos available online, this is an amazing story. Ethiopia is a small, backward nation without many resources. I was unaware of these unique churches before taking up this book.
One fascinating fact is that the Ethiopian Christians were surrounded by Muslims and thus their Christianity differs from the Roman faith because of their isolation (both geographically and religiously). Lalibela built it to be the new Jerusalem.
The book makes a point of noting that this is a UNESCO site (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization). While watching the videos, I realized why saving these churches will be such a difficult job. The churches are constantly in use and are also crowded with tourists. The sites must be 'walked down into' and all aspects of the churches are open to the touch. This is degrading the churches at an alarming rate because everyone seems to want to touch.
Between the written word and the videos available online, this is an amazing story. Ethiopia is a small, backward nation without many resources. I was unaware of these unique churches before taking up this book.
