Abstract
Globally well-known ancient rock-hewn churches are present in Ethiopia in general and particularly in the central and eastern parts of Tigray regional state. They are important sites of heritage and tourism. Most of them are facing destabilization problem in different degree due to natural and anthropogenic factors. Among the affected, two churches hewn into sandstone located near Abreha-Atsibaha and Wukro (Kirkos/Cherkos church) in Tigray region were chosen for detailed study in terms of geological and engineering geological condition of the rocks in to which they are hewn. Both of them are affected by weathering and seepage. Both are carved into Mesozoic Adigrat sandstone that occupy higher elevations in topography, red in color and with iron and silica-rich alternating bands. Petrographic data suggest that the rock is dominated by quartz followed by feldspars; opaque and heavy minerals; pore spaces and carbonate/iron/silica cement. The rock is characterized by low to medium unconfined compressive strength. The alternating bands with varying mineralogical composition differ in mechanical properties and are responding differently to weathering and erosion. This is resulting in the development of minor spalling, pitting etc in the pillars, walls and roofs of the churches. Keeping the geological condition in view remedial measures are to be planned to minimize deterioration with time. Keywords : Geological, Geomechanical, Rock hewn-Church, Abraha-Atsibaha, Tigray, Ethiopia.
Highlights
Ethiopia is one of the few countries in the world, known for its ancient rock-hewn churches that are carved into rocks
Petrography of sandstones The rock-hewn churches under study though, are carved into Adigrat sandstone, both Adigrat and the Enticho sandstones were examined for mineral composition under transmitted light microscope
Petrographic details of Adigrat sandstone are shown in figure 5
Summary
Ethiopia is one of the few countries in the world, known for its ancient rock-hewn churches that are carved into rocks. Several of these churches are located in northern Ethiopia in the central and eastern zones of Tigray Regional State. In Tigray, these rock-hewn churches are made by carving into the rocks or by converting the naturally developed caves. These are closely connected with the twin kings known as AbrahaAtsibaha, and are believed to have been constructed in 4th century AD
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