Yeha is a village in northern Ethiopia, located in the Mehakelegnaw Zone of the Tigray Region. It is a tower built in the Sabaean style, and dated to either the 8th or 7th century BC. The walls of its early temple survive, while other ruins include Grat Beal Gebri, with square pillars. |
Yeha is also the location of an Ethiopian Orthodox monastery, founded according to tradition by Abba Aftse, one of the Nine Saints. In his account of Ethiopia, Francisco Álvares mentions visiting this town in 1520 (which he called "Abbafaçem"), and provides a description of the ancient tower, the monastery, and the local church, which also has been dated to the time of the Axumite Kingdom. This ancient structure houses a museum. |
