Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela is a rock-cut site in Ethiopia, Africa. UNESCO World Heritage List #18 gives its chronology as “Mainly late 12th to early 13th century.” Its listed material is Volcanic tuff.
Eleven churches carved downward out of solid rock, complete with windows and columns.
The churches of Lalibela are carved directly into the local volcanic tuff, a material characterized by its relatively low hardness on the Mohs scale. This geological composition allowed for the downward excavation of the structures, enabling the creation of complex architectural features such as columns and windows from the solid rock mass. The site dates mainly to the late 12th to early 13th century.
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Compare the published evidence and its interpretations. “Consensus” records the mainstream account; “Alternative” identifies a competing interpretation, not an equally established conclusion. Estimates and unresolved questions remain qualified in the claim text.
| Field | Consensus | Alternative |
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| Date | No claims found. | |
| Purpose | Churches | No claims found. |
| Method | No claims found. | No claims found. |
| Material usage Read description | Mainly late 12th to early 13th century Churches | No competing claim recorded. |
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Approximate - counted from January 1, 1,125 CE (UTC). Based on the midpoint of 1,000 CE - 1,250 CE; the underlying date is uncertain.
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Each row is an independent total of the same span, not a breakdown to add together.