Historical Event
Construction of Lalibela rock-hewn churches (12th century)
In the 12th century, King Lalibela of Ethiopia commissioned eleven monolithic churches carved entirely out of solid rock in the highlands of northern Ethiopia. Built as a 'New Jerusalem,' these churches remain active pilgrimage sites and are considered one of the world's greatest architectural achievements.
Why This Matters
Lalibela's churches are evidence of an independent African Christian civilization of extraordinary sophistication — their existence directly challenges the colonial narrative that Christianity was 'brought to' Africa by Europeans.
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