Unveiling the past: newly discovered archaeological sites of Dongolo and Endameqabr in central Tigray, Ethiopia
2025, 34, No. 1
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Abstract
The preliminary study described in this paper has aimed to conduct an archaeological survey and document the potentially rich but little-investigated archaeological sites of Dongolo and Endameqabr in central Tigray, Ethiopia. To achieve this, pre-field preparations, field surveys, and interviews with local residents were employed as data collection methods and analyzed qualitatively. Intact vessels of diverse forms and sizes, pottery sherds, grinding and polishing stones, well-carved circular and rectangular stone slabs, exposed wall structures, bracelets, and finger rings are among the main finds documented during this survey. Based on a comparative analysis of the material recovered from these newly identified sites and previously documented assemblages from different archaeological sites in northern Ethiopia, it is suggested that these locations may have served as settlement areas and cemeteries during the Proto-Aksumite and early, middle, and possibly late Aksumite periods. This preliminary study indicates that these sites could significantly enhance our understanding of the ancient Aksumite kingdom. Furthermore, it provides baseline data for future, more detailed archaeological investigations of these sites and their immediate surroundings.
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