070 - The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela and Medieval Ethiopia

Wonders of the World

When you think of Ethiopia, you might think of famine in the 1980s. You might not think of a millenia-old culture, one of the powers of the ancient world. The ancient capital of Aksum, possible home of the Lost Ark, sits below mighty obelisks, testaments to the wealth still hidden below the city.

In the middle ages, under the auspices of king Lalibela and with the alleged help of angels, workers carved remarkable churches by digging down directly into the rock. These rock-hewn churches still host Orthodox services, providing a powerful sense of faith.

Listener Callum Barnes appears to discuss his travels in Ethiopia, from trying to see the Ark to being offered raw beef at a wedding in Addis Ababa. Plus making injera, the famous spongy bread that centers Ethiopia's wonderful cuisine.

Sources: Carillet, Jean-Bernard and Anthony Ham. Lonely Planet Ethiopia & DjiboutiHenze, Paul B. Layers of Time: a History of EthiopiaThe Kebra Negast

Photograph by Chuck Moravec