Archaeological and multidisciplinary research into dynastic change in medieval Ethiopia

This multi-disciplinary, mainly archaeological, project seeks to further our knowledge of the Amhara populations that took control of the Lalibela region (Lasta) in the late 13th century. We are interested in the people themselves and their culture, and hope to elucidate the biological, social, cultural and material context and consequences of the encounters that took place between the local Agäw speakers and the incoming Amharic speakers. For this, we are constructing a comparative database on the sites we are investigating, looking at key parameters such as landscape use, architecture, ceramics and other material culture, metal production, wall paintings and other forms of expression, such as the carved low-reliefs that decorate the cave walls of Wašša Mika’el church alongside medieval wall paintings clearly associated with Yǝkunno Amlak.