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The Temple of the Moon in Yeha is the oldest standing structure in Ethiopia

Yeha is a town in the Mehakelegnaw Zone of the northern Tigary Region in Ethiopia.  It is the site of the oldest standing structure in Ethiopia, the Temple of the Moon, dedicated to the great moon god Almougah.

Ruins of the great temple at Yeha in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia. Photo Credit
Ruins of the great temple at Yeha in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia. Photo Credit

This tower is built in the Sabaean style and in comparison with other ancient structures in South Arabia, it dates around 700 BC.  It was built during the Aksumite kingdom of D’mt.

The tower is built in the Sabaean style. Photo Credit
The tower is built in the Sabaean style. Photo Credit

The date of the temple is supported by local inscriptions.  Many stone-carved inscriptions were discovered on the site and most likely, they’re the earliest inscriptions ever discovered in Ethiopia.

The temple was built using stone blocks without mortar. Photo Credit
The temple was built using stone blocks without mortar. Photo Credit

The ruins of the temple consist of a single rectangular roofless chamber which stands around twelve meters in height.  The temple was built from limestone which was quarried from about 90 miles away and the construction workers didn’t use mortar between the stones.

The biggest stone is almost 2, 500 years old since the temple was built and the door is about five meters high.

The temple was built from limestone . Photo Credit
The temple was built from limestone. Photo Credit

The temple was used as a church. Christianity was introduced to the surrounding and the first monastery was built. During the construction of the monastery St Abuna Aftse used the temple as a church for about 39 years.

For a period, the temple was used as a church. Photo Credit
For a period, the Yeha temple was used as a church. Photo Credit

It is believed that the Yeha temple was a political and religious center.  Inside the ruins there is a pool which was used for giving sacrifices to the moon god.

It is one of the oldest buildings in Africa. Photo Credit
The Yeha temple is one of the oldest buildings in Africa. Photo Credit

As one of the oldest buildings in Africa, the Tempe of Yeha is about to be renovated.

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According to the organisation “African Globe”, referring to the statement of the German Archaeological Institute issued about with the renovation, the Temple will be renovated but preserved genuine for the future generations.

Marija Georgievska

Marija Georgievska is one of the authors writing for The Vintage News