Unit university

Department of architecture and urban planning

History Of Ethiopian Architecture Assignment
Section: AR1R1N2/14

Submitted by:
Name: Sani Mohammed
Id no: UU89349R
Submitted to:
Name: Ins. Eyob Enkosa
Submission date:
October 28, 2023
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
1. Compare and contrast temple of yeha and Parthenon.
 HISTORY OF ETHIOPIAN ARCHITECTURE

 The Temple of Yeha and the Parthenon are both ancient architectural structures, but they come
from very different cultures, time periods, and architectural traditions. Here is a comparison
and contrast of these two iconic temples:

Temple of yeha Parthenon

Has religious structures (dedicated to the moon
god Almah)
Use of Columns (Doric columns)
Using large stone blocks, reflecting the locally
available materials.
Has religious structures (dedicated to the Greek
goddess Athena)
Use of Columns (Sabaean-style columns)
A fine-grained and high-quality stone, which
contributes to its remarkable aesthetics.

Is smaller and more modest in scale. Is a massive structure and an architectural

Associated with the Kingdom of d'mt, one of the
earliest civilizations in the Horn of Africa, and
reflects a different historical context
Dating back to around the 8th or 7th century BC
Located in Yeha, Tigray, Ethiopia
masterpiece of its time
Built during the Golden Age of Athens, reflecting
the cultural and political importance of ancient
Greece at the time
Constructed during the 5th century BC
Located in Athens, Greece

Parthenon

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Temple of yeha

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2. Historical background of Saba, geez, and Amharic calligraphy.

a. Sabaean Calligraphy:

- Sabaean Script: The Sabaean script, also known as the South Arabian script, was used by
the ancient Sabaean people in the Kingdom of Saba (modern-day Yemen). It is one of the
oldest writing systems in the Arabian Peninsula and is thought to have originated around
1200 BC.
- Purpose: The Sabaean script was primarily used for inscriptions on stone monuments and
bronze inscriptions. It played a significant role in documenting the history and culture of
the Sabaean civilization.
- Characteristics: The script is cursive and right-to-left. It consists of a combination of
consonantal and vowel signs, making it an abjad script. The Sabaean script has distinctive
ornate and decorative qualities that are characteristic of ancient South Arabian art.
b. Ge'ez Calligraphy:

- Ge'ez Script: The Ge'ez script, also known as Ethiopic, is an ancient script used in the
region of Ethiopia and Eritrea. It is believed to have evolved from the Sabaean script. The
earliest evidence of Ge'ez writing dates back to the 4th century AD.
- Purpose: Ge'ez has been used historically for religious texts, including the Bible and other
Ethiopian Christian literature. It is still used for liturgical purposes in the Ethiopian and
Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Churches.
- Characteristics: The Ge'ez script is an abugida, where each character represents a
consonant with an inherent vowel sound that can be modified with diacritics. Ge'ez
calligraphy is known for its decorative, intricate, and often elongated characters. It is
closely associated with the illuminated manuscripts of Ethiopian religious texts.
c. Amharic Calligraphy:

- Amharic Script: Amharic is the official language of Ethiopia, and its script is an
evolution of the Ge'ez script. It has been used for writing Amharic since at least the 14th
century.
- Purpose: Amharic calligraphy is used for various purposes, including literary works,
official documents, signage, and more. It plays a significant role in Ethiopian literature
and communication.
- Characteristics: The Amharic script, like Ge'ez, is an abugida. It features a distinctive set
of characters and diacritics. Amharic calligraphy varies in style, from traditional religious
texts to modern design applications.

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Sabaean Calligraphy Ge'ez Calligraphy

Amharic Calligraphy

Menz Tight Forest building material

- The construction materials used in Menz Tight Forest for traditional buildings are
typically sourced from the natural resources found in the surrounding environment. In
rural areas of Ethiopia, including regions like Menz Tight Forest, the construction
materials are often simple and locally available. The primary building materials commonly
used in this region are:
1. Wood: Wood is a prevalent construction material in rural Ethiopia. It is sourced from the
surrounding forests, including Menz Tight Forest. Local communities often use
indigenous tree species for construction. Timber is used for structural components, such
as beams and columns, as well as for roofing materials. In some cases, traditional huts
and houses may be entirely constructed from wood.

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2. Mud and Adobe: Mud and adobe are commonly used for constructing walls in rural
areas. Adobe bricks, made from a mixture of mud, water, and sometimes straw, are
formed and sun-dried. These bricks are then stacked to create walls. Mud and adobe
structures are durable and well-suited to the local climate.
3. Stone: In regions with accessible stone deposits, natural stone is used for building
purposes. Stone can be used for constructing walls and foundations. Menz Tight Forest's
location in the Ethiopian Highlands likely means that stone is readily available.
4. Thatch and Grass: Thatch, typically made from grass or reed, is used for roofing
material. It provides insulation and is lightweight. Grass thatch is a common choice for
rural huts and houses.
5. Bamboo: Bamboo may be used in some construction, especially for fencing, partition
walls, and as a flexible structural element. It is lightweight and grows locally.
6. Local Soils: The soil itself can be used for construction. Rammed earth, for example,
involves compacting layers of earth to create walls. In some cases, the natural soil
composition in the area can be conducive to such construction methods.
7. Local Materials: In general, construction in rural areas of Ethiopia relies heavily on
locally available materials. This minimizes the need for transportation and reduces costs.
- It's important to note that traditional construction in these areas is often labor-intensive
and follows age-old building practices. Modern construction materials such as cement,
steel, and bricks are used in urban areas and for more contemporary structures, but in rural
regions like Menz Tight Forest, the availability and affordability of such materials may be
limited, and traditional building methods prevail. Additionally, using locally sourced and
sustainable materials aligns with the principles of eco-friendly and resource-efficient
construction.
The relationship between the Red Sea and the Blue Nile River
- The relationship between the Red Sea and
the Blue Nile River has had historical
significance not only during the time of the
ancient kingdom of Axum but also in more
recent times. Here's a brief overview of
their relationship during both periods:
Ancient Kingdom of Axum:
1. Geographic Connection: The kingdom
of Axum, located in the Ethiopian
highlands, had access to the Red
Sea through its ports along the coastline.
The Red Sea provided a direct maritime
route for trade and interaction with other civilizations.

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2. Trade and Commerce: Axum flourished as a trading power during this period, benefiting from
its proximity to the Red Sea. The kingdom engaged in trade with various regions, including
the Roman Empire, Arabia, and India. Precious goods such as ivory, gold, spices, and textiles
were transported through the Red Sea ports, contributing to Axum's prosperity.
3. Cultural Exchange: The Red Sea served as a conduit for cultural exchange between Axum and
other civilizations. Ideas, technologies, and religious beliefs were shared,
and Axum adopted Christianity during this time, which had a lasting impact on the region.
Recent Times:
1. Water Resource: The Blue Nile River, originating from Ethiopia's highlands, significantly
contributes to the water flow of the Nile River. The Nile, in turn, drains into the Mediterranean
Sea through the Red Sea. This connection makes the Red Sea an essential outlet for the water
resources of the Blue Nile.
2. Development and Infrastructure: In more recent times, the countries in the region,
including Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt, have been engaged in discussions and negotiations
regarding the utilization of the Nile's water resources. The construction of dams and other
infrastructure along the Blue Nile has had implications for downstream countries, including those
bordering the Red Sea.
3. Economic Importance: The Red Sea still retains its economic importance as a trade route
connecting countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The ports along the Red Sea facilitate
international trade and commerce, contributing to the economic development of the region.
4. Environmental Concerns: The impact of human activities, such as pollution and overfishing, on
the Red Sea's ecosystem is a growing concern. Efforts are being made to address these
environmental challenges and ensure the sustainable use of the Red Sea's resources.
- In summary, the relationship between the Red Sea and the Blue Nile River has had historical
significance during the ancient kingdom of Axum, facilitating trade, cultural exchange, and
prosperity. In recent times, it remains important for water resources, trade, and economic
development, while also being subject to discussions and concerns related to development,
infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.

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