Architectures of Great Zimbabwe and Aksum--Ethiopia

Constructed of granite slabs. Oldest monumental stone structure south of the Sahara 1000-520 B.P (1000-1480AD). Consists of a series of walls and towers. Massive stone masonry, without mortar. Herringbone design patterns, Triangular patterns Checkerboard designs Including numerous colored stones Other objects from the site include Bird pillars, fragments of stone platters and ivory figurines

Site might have been inhabited from about 300 AD, Although the great enclosure was constructed from the 10th-16th cent. There are three main buildings: elliptical building/temple Tall conical tower Small stone tower and a mass of stone work from other buildings Possibly a royal Palace of a divine King—Monomotapa Iron working culture; reputed for their great mines in gold, iron and copper

A view of the valley ruin and the Great enclosure

Reconstructed entrance into the Great Zimbabwe

Staircase into the enclosure

Tower of the Great Zimbabwe

Outer wall and entrance, the Great Zimbabwe

Inside the grounds of the Great enclosure

Ruins of the Eastern enclosure

Bird with upturned face, Great Zimbabwe, Stone

One of three birds, Great Zimbabwe

Two Leopards, Ivory ornaments, Great Zimbabwe

Fragment of stone platter with animal imagery, Great Zimbabwe

Fragments with abstract motifs, Great Zimbabwe

Carved stone figurine, Great Zimbabwe

Empire ranked as one of the greatest Empires of all time Aksum—Ethiopia Empire ranked as one of the greatest Empires of all time By 1st half of the 1st millennium C.E, it had: An extensive maritime trade Coinage, Written inscriptions and Literature Christian faith

Juxtaposition of timber frame works with stone masonry Windows and doors were supported by framework of triangular timber Friezes of windows and timber panels were constructed high above the nave Painted vaulted ceilings might have been inspired by Byzantine art Rock-cut churches

Beta Madhane Alemi, Lalibela, largest of rock cut churches, has a nave and four aisles and surrounded by a colonnade of plain square pillars

Monastery of the Old Church at Debre Damo, Aksumite Peoples, Ethiopia

Interior of Enda Kidana Mehrat, Debra Zion, Domes apparently cut from solid Rocks with Byzantine influences Painting derive from a long tradition of indigenous decoration which continues today in the metal processional crosses

Interior of Imraha Kristos With Aksumite geometric and interlace Pattern in the imitation of carving

Part of the ceiling with panels portraying natural history of the terrestrial world