We had a long drive today from Aksum to Mekele, with stops along the way. Soon after leaving Aksum we passed through the Adwa mountains. This area has huge significance for Ethiopians. Here the Ethipians inflicted the biggest defeat on a colonial army in Africa, against the Italians in 1895.
Our first stop was Yeha, in a beautiful valley. It is considered the birthplace of Ethiopias first known civilisation.
The most important remains are those of the Great Temple, identical to buildings found in Yemen. The temple was built in the 7th century BC from limestone blocks up to 3 m long perfectly cut and fitted together without a trace of mortar.
The views out the back were fairly special as well
Also on the site is the new church of Abuna Aftse, which incorporated pieces from the original 6th century AD church...
..such as stone reliefs of ibexes, a sacred animal of southern Saudia Arabia
There was also a small museum on the site...
...with a collection of ancient inscriptions and religious texts
Outside, the town had plenty of souvenirs on sale..
..plus the usual photogenic locals
We drove east, through changing but always spectacular countryside...
.. to Debre Damo. A monastery atop a Mesa established by Abuna Aregawi, one of the most revered saints in Ethiopia, in the 6th century.
Men only are allowed on top, and it remains only accessible by a 15 m climb up a leather rope. Not for the faint hearted, but the 150 or so monks do it regularly
Rock climbing moves definitely helped
The most remarkable structure on top is the Abuna Aregawi church, likely to be the oldest standing church in Ethiopia, built in the 10 th century.
There was also a bell tower
And a place where the Saint left directly for heaven
Plus views of course
We then drove on to Mekele. The landscape continuing to intrigue
Mekele itself, a rather large unappealing industrial city.
But we did find a rather intriguing local wine to have with dinner
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