The Aksumite site of Wakarida in the region of Tigray, Ethiopia: first results of archaeological investigations

Abstract

The site of Wakarida is situated near the eastern edge of the Tigray plateau, dominating the Afar depression. The study of the site started with a short archaeological and geophysical survey in 2011. During the three campaigns of excavations between 2012 and 2013, carried out in two areas, archaeologists unearthed typically Aksumite buildings accompanied by abundant ceramic material, with a significant proportion of fine ceramics. The buildings have been dated between the 3rd and the 6th century AD, confirmed by 14C analyses. In several places, the remains of walls visible on the ground surface and the scattered pottery sherds testify to the existence of other ancient structures. The site of Wakarida, covering some 9 ha, was probably a small city or a village during the Aksumite period. A survey of the region has enabled a study of the landscape, mostly shaped by man, and has led to the discovery of other archaeological sites, two of which are comparable in size to Wakarida.

Keywords

• Aksumite civilization
• Tigray
• Ancient Ethiopia
• archaeology
• Ancient African civilizations
• Red Sea