The basilica is symbolic of the history of Christianity in Ethiopia. Aizan, the first Christian king of the Aksumite empire was responsible for the creation of the large, five-aisled church, sadly destroyed in 1535, and since then many hundreds of basilicas have been built in Ethiopia, many, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lalibela, literally 'hewn from the rock'. In this book, architectural historian and architect Mario di Salvo considers the unique architectural features of Ethiopia's basilicas and explains how they developed over time. Featuring almost 200 colour illustrations, this book is an attractive and comprehensive guide to some of Ethiopia's most inspiring religious buildings.
Mario Di Salvo is an architect and former Director of the Fondation Carlo Leone et Mariena Montandon. He is the author of a number of publications on different forms of artistic expression, especially in the field of architecture and the figurative arts. His previous books include Churches of Ethiopia: The Monastery of Narga Sellase and Crosses of Ethiopia: The Sign of Faith - Evolution and Form. Carolyn Gossage is an author and historian. She has previously written books on Ethiopian icons and crosses.
Imprint: I.B.Tauris
Publisher: I.B.Tauris & Co Ltd.
Hardback
ISBN: 9781784537258
Publication Date: 30 Nov 2016
Number of Pages: 160
Height: 280
Width: 235
Illustrations: 193 colour and black and white illustrations