The Aksumite site of Wakarida in the region of Tigrai, Ethiopia: first results of archaeological investigations

Abstract

The site of Wakarida is situated near the eastern edge of the Tigray plateau, dominating the Afar depression. The study on the site has started in 2011 with a short archaeological and geophysical survey. During the three campaigns of excavations between 2012 and in 2013, carried out in two areas, the archaeologists unearthed typically Aksumite buildings accompanied by abundant ceramic material, with a significant proportion of fine ceramics. The buildings have been dated between the 3rd and the 6th century AD, period confirmed by C14 analyses. In several places, the remains of walls visible on surface and pottery shards testify to the existence of other ancient structures. The site of Wakarida, covering some 9 ha, was probably a small city or a village during the Aksumite period. The survey of its region has enabled to study the landscape, mostly shaped by man, and to discover other archaeological sites, two of which are comparable in size to Wakarida.