National Geographic History - 01.2019 - 02.2019

DANITA DELIMONT/ALAMY/ACI

Lalibela’s Rock

and Salvation

THE YORDANOS RIVER winds through the massif

where the rock-cut churches stand, strengthening

the connection to the Holy Land intended by King Lal-

ibela. The church complex is organized in two main

concentrations: The first centers around the Biete

Medhane Alem (House of the Savior of the World) and

the Biete Maryam (House

of Mary); and the second

around the Biete Amanuel

(House of Emmanuel). The

Biete Giyorgis (House of

St. George) is located

by itself a short distance

away; its distinctive cru-

ciform structure makes it

easy to spot from above.

The complex is linked to-

gether by a series of tun-

nels and trenches whose

walls have been exca-

vated over the centuries.

These niches may have

served as cells for monks,

as well as tombs where

deceased priests were

laid to rest. The interior

of the churches are noted

for rounded arches, some

covered with ornate geo-

metric patterns. Some of

the best preserved exam-

ples with bold, vivid colors

are found inside the Biete

Maryam (right), which

also features paintings

of biblical scenes. On the

outside of Bet Maryam is

a frieze of horsemen, inter-

preted by some to depict

King Lalibela.

GEOMETRIC DESIGNS ON

ROUNDED ARCHES OF BIETE

MARYAM (HOUSE OF MARY),

LALIBELA

92 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

Biete

Medhane

Alem / House

of the Savior

of the World

Biete Maryam / House of Mary

Biete Amanuel /

House of

Emmanuel

Biete Giyorgis /

House of St.

George (see

photo on p. 91)

YORDANOS R. /

JORDAN R.

N

ILLUSTRATION 3D: RISE STUDIO