Podcast
Questions and Answers
The monkey-head technique refers to a specific architectural design used in Aksumite structures.
The monkey-head technique refers to a specific architectural design used in Aksumite structures.
True
The Aksumite palaces were built at ground level with no elevation.
The Aksumite palaces were built at ground level with no elevation.
False
The ornamental motifs found in Lalibela Bete Georgis are inspired by Mediterranean Byzantine Sculpture.
The ornamental motifs found in Lalibela Bete Georgis are inspired by Mediterranean Byzantine Sculpture.
True
The overall design of the Aksumite ensemble was intended for maximum exposure and accessibility.
The overall design of the Aksumite ensemble was intended for maximum exposure and accessibility.
Signup and view all the answers
The number of steps leading to the Aksumite pavilions was approximately twelve.
The number of steps leading to the Aksumite pavilions was approximately twelve.
Signup and view all the answers
The Kingdom of Aksum developed from a group of larger states in the region.
The Kingdom of Aksum developed from a group of larger states in the region.
Signup and view all the answers
Aksum produced coinage notable for its inlay of gold on silver and bronze coins.
Aksum produced coinage notable for its inlay of gold on silver and bronze coins.
Signup and view all the answers
The Aksumite state was bordered by the Mediterranean Sea.
The Aksumite state was bordered by the Mediterranean Sea.
Signup and view all the answers
The conversion of King Ezana to Christianity occurred in the 4th century.
The conversion of King Ezana to Christianity occurred in the 4th century.
Signup and view all the answers
The archaeological findings at Aksum indicate a decline in arts and crafts during its prosperity.
The archaeological findings at Aksum indicate a decline in arts and crafts during its prosperity.
Signup and view all the answers
Before converting to Christianity, Aksum kings were likely worshipping Arabic gods.
Before converting to Christianity, Aksum kings were likely worshipping Arabic gods.
Signup and view all the answers
Aksum's port of Adulis played a vital role in its participation in commerce.
Aksum's port of Adulis played a vital role in its participation in commerce.
Signup and view all the answers
The Ge`ez script was only used for decorative purposes and did not have a legacy.
The Ge`ez script was only used for decorative purposes and did not have a legacy.
Signup and view all the answers
The disc and crescent symbol was maintained on coins after the conversion of Christianity.
The disc and crescent symbol was maintained on coins after the conversion of Christianity.
Signup and view all the answers
Water availability was a critical factor for the establishment of urban communities in the Aksumite kingdom.
Water availability was a critical factor for the establishment of urban communities in the Aksumite kingdom.
Signup and view all the answers
German archaeologists identified two substantial buildings in Aksum: Taakha Maryam and Enda Semon.
German archaeologists identified two substantial buildings in Aksum: Taakha Maryam and Enda Semon.
Signup and view all the answers
Elite residences in Aksum featured a central lodge surrounded by open courtyards.
Elite residences in Aksum featured a central lodge surrounded by open courtyards.
Signup and view all the answers
The palace of Ta`akha Mariam is characterized by flimsy wall structures.
The palace of Ta`akha Mariam is characterized by flimsy wall structures.
Signup and view all the answers
Granite was only used for building foundations in Aksumite architecture.
Granite was only used for building foundations in Aksumite architecture.
Signup and view all the answers
Walls in podia of Aksumite structures exhibited a pattern of recesses and projections.
Walls in podia of Aksumite structures exhibited a pattern of recesses and projections.
Signup and view all the answers
Most Aksumite buildings were planned with an emphasis on unsymmetrical designs.
Most Aksumite buildings were planned with an emphasis on unsymmetrical designs.
Signup and view all the answers
The central nave of the Ta’akha Maryam Palace's church is emphasized by keeping the upper storey intact.
The central nave of the Ta’akha Maryam Palace's church is emphasized by keeping the upper storey intact.
Signup and view all the answers
The proportioning system used by the Aksumites relies heavily on the Golden Section.
The proportioning system used by the Aksumites relies heavily on the Golden Section.
Signup and view all the answers
The architectural layout of the Ta’akha Maryam Palace is influenced by the designs seen in Aksumite buildings.
The architectural layout of the Ta’akha Maryam Palace is influenced by the designs seen in Aksumite buildings.
Signup and view all the answers
The principle of 'equal-equal' generates common geometric shapes like the square and cube.
The principle of 'equal-equal' generates common geometric shapes like the square and cube.
Signup and view all the answers
Aksumite architecture commonly employs diagonals through corners to establish proportions.
Aksumite architecture commonly employs diagonals through corners to establish proportions.
Signup and view all the answers
The 'middle-middle middle' method is used in Aksum to create a number series through repeated division.
The 'middle-middle middle' method is used in Aksum to create a number series through repeated division.
Signup and view all the answers
Ethiopian tradition of architecture is described as 'central symmetrical' as opposed to 'equidimensional'.
Ethiopian tradition of architecture is described as 'central symmetrical' as opposed to 'equidimensional'.
Signup and view all the answers
The numerical value associated with the Golden Section is approximately 0.618.
The numerical value associated with the Golden Section is approximately 0.618.
Signup and view all the answers
Entrance doors to mausoleums feature stone carved animal heads.
Entrance doors to mausoleums feature stone carved animal heads.
Signup and view all the answers
Mausoleums are accessed by ascending stairs from a natural ground level.
Mausoleums are accessed by ascending stairs from a natural ground level.
Signup and view all the answers
Arches are not used in mausoleum structures.
Arches are not used in mausoleum structures.
Signup and view all the answers
The Old St. Mary Zion Church was reconstructed by David Buxton.
The Old St. Mary Zion Church was reconstructed by David Buxton.
Signup and view all the answers
The interior of a mausoleum was excavated in the late 1990s.
The interior of a mausoleum was excavated in the late 1990s.
Signup and view all the answers
All Aksumite sites used different techniques for dry stone construction.
All Aksumite sites used different techniques for dry stone construction.
Signup and view all the answers
The largest stelae formerly exceeded 33 m in height.
The largest stelae formerly exceeded 33 m in height.
Signup and view all the answers
The Aksumite palaces were typically multi-storey.
The Aksumite palaces were typically multi-storey.
Signup and view all the answers
The decorated stelae were inspired by Ethiopian examples rather than South Arabian influences.
The decorated stelae were inspired by Ethiopian examples rather than South Arabian influences.
Signup and view all the answers
The second largest stelae is approximately 24 m high.
The second largest stelae is approximately 24 m high.
Signup and view all the answers
All stones used in dry stone masonry are large, squarely dressed stones.
All stones used in dry stone masonry are large, squarely dressed stones.
Signup and view all the answers
Stelae can show multiple design features like T-divided windows.
Stelae can show multiple design features like T-divided windows.
Signup and view all the answers
The corners and stone work of old St. Mary Zion Church do not exhibit the characteristics of Aksumite architecture.
The corners and stone work of old St. Mary Zion Church do not exhibit the characteristics of Aksumite architecture.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Urbanism and Architecture in the Aksumite Kingdom
- Aksumite Kingdom developed from smaller states in the region
- The Aksumite state bordered the Red Sea, a major trade route
- Aksum actively participated in contemporary events
- Aksum produced remarkable coinage, featuring gold inlay on silver and bronze coins
- The Ge'ez/Ethiopic script allowed Aksumites to leave a lasting legacy
- Aksumites expanded military activity to South Arabia in the late 2nd/early 3rd century AD
- As the Aksumite kingdom prospered, numerous urban centers developed
- Archaeological evidence demonstrates advanced indigenous crafts and active trade
- In the 2nd quarter of the 4th century, King Ezana converted to Christianity, and coins/inscriptions reflected the change
- Pre-Christian Aksumite kings likely worshipped Greek gods
- The conversion to Christianity is reflected in the change from disc and crescent motifs to the cross on coins
- Within the Aksumite kingdom, flourishing urban communities grew
- Towns developed along trade routes and crossroads, with water availability crucial
- German archaeologists traced the plans of several substantial buildings, including Ta'akha Maryam, Enda Sem'on and Enda Mikael. The central part of Aksum was predicted to have the poorest residents.
- Elite residences typically consisted of a central pavilion on a podium accessed by staircases, surrounded by buildings and open courtyards
- Podium walls of Aksumite structures often had large granite corner blocks for reinforcement and support.
- Granite in Aksum was used for many architectural elements, including columns, bases, capitals, doors, windows, paving, and extensive staircase flights
- Walls in Akumite podia had indented recesses and projections
- The building material was typically rubble bound by mud mortar
- Walls sometimes became thinner as height increased, with other distinguishing features including re-entrants and salient
- The "monkey-head technique" involved cross members on the external walls, sometimes visible internally, and is notably characteristic of Ethiopian architecture
- Wood in elite residences was used in a visible manner, a sign of power, and this contrasted with non-elite residences. The "monkey head" technique was used primarily in elite homes.
- Timber framed windows and doors were held together with pegs instead of nails for the elite residences.
- The "monkey-head technique" is also present on stelae and rock-cut or built churches
- Evidence suggests the decorative motifs on Stelae came from South Arabian inspiration
- Aksumite palaces were typically only one or two stories
- The door and the first set of small windows were read as a floor, then succeeding sets of windows indicated further upstairs levels
- The largest stela, now fallen and broken, originally exceeded 33 meters in height and displays 12 stories
- Tombs, with entrances to upper complexes oriented towards the west, have masonry now visible
- Mausoleums were accessed by descending stairs
- Examples of these structures include the Enda Michael Palace, which displays a distinct design
Cities, Towns, and Villages
- Within the Aksumite kingdom, many flourishing urban communities grew
- Towns were established along trade routes and crossroads, or in areas with favorable conditions
- Water availability was important to location choice
Proportioning System in Aksum
- The Aksumite proportioning system used "equal-equal" to create square, cube, 45-degree angle, octagonal shapes
- This system may have originated from Semitic 10-digit systems
- Repeated division, such as "middle-middle middle" created numerical series
- The Greeks used the Golden Section (Divine Proportion)
- Aksumites’ methods of counting numbers and units distinguished them from others
- Diagonals were not seen as the primary carriers of proportions like in other cultures
- "Equidimensional" and "central symmetrical" styles of architecture existed separately
Dry Stone Construction
- Dry-stone construction, used in the lower parts of structures, employed large, carefully-placed cornerstones, small broken stones for the bulk of the walls, and thin flat stones to fill spaces
- Walls frequently are layered and the thickness decreased with the height
Stelae
- Six carved and decorated stelae exist, one of which (now fallen and broken) originally exceeded 33 meters
- The largest stela was carved on four sides and showcased 12 stories
- The decorations of the stelae may originally have come from South Arabian palaces
Tombs
- Some large tomb complexes were built with entrances oriented towards the west
- Only sections of the masonry of some tombs remain visible
- Other, buried tombs are located deeper beneath the surface
Other
- The corners and stonework of the Old St. Mary Zion Church exhibit characteristics of Aksumite architecture
- Entrance doors to mausoleums include carved monkey heads
- Arches are also employed in mausoleums, as evidenced by excavations
- Mausoleums are accessed via descending stairs from surface level
- Examples of structures include the Enda Michael palace
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Test your knowledge on the architectural designs and historical context of the Aksumite Kingdom, focusing on key aspects like the monkey-head technique, significant structures, and the role of coinage. Discover intriguing facts about the conversion of King Ezana and the kingdom's influence on trade and religion. Dive into the remarkable history of this ancient civilization!
