The rock‐hewn churches of Tigrai,Northern Ethiopia: A geological perspective

Ethiopia is endowed with many rock‐hewn churches, with the largest group in central and eastern Tigrai. These churches can be divided into four zones: the Atsbi, Hawzen‐Ger'alta, Sinkata‐Adigrat, and Tembien, with more than 100 rock‐hewn churches of different ages, sizes, and histories. However, they have one thing in common: All are carved into sandstone. The Enticho, Adigrat, and Ambaradam sandstones (Permo‐Carboniferous, Triassic—Middle Jurassic, and Early Cretaceous, respectively) are extensively exposed in these areas and are characterized by thick and massive beds of coarse‐ to fine‐grained and well‐sorted successions. These sandstones are easily carved, yet compact enough to withstand pressure. Although limestone, basalt, and crystalline rocks are exposed in the same area, few rock‐hewn churches have been carved into them. The rock type is, therefore, the most important factor in the location of these rock‐hewn churches. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.