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The Basilicas of Ethiopia : An Architectural History
he 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 of Mrymyon , 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 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 .
“ Many books have hitherto been written about ancient Ethiopian churches – mostly by historians , archaeologists and well known photographers . This is one of the very few books written about this enthralling subject by a professional architect . Without doubt , Mario di Salvo ’ s The Basilicas of Ethiopia is the most authoritative book yet on the architectural history of the magnificent Ethiopian Orthodox Churches . This sumptuously presented oeuvre is not only a seriously academic book written just for other architects , but indeed also for the wider audience of aficionados of Ethiopian art and culture , for whom it will be a great delight to have in their collection ,” Prince Asfa-Wossen Asserate , PhD ., Chairman of the Board of Patrons , Orbis Aethiopicus . AD
AUTHOR : Mario di Salvo ISBN : 978-1784537258 PAGES : 160 pages
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