Biet Danghel, Rock-Hewn Churche in lalibela

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Bet Danghel is one of thirteen churches thoroughly mapped out by the Zamani Project. The project's documentation unfolded between 2005 and 2009 across four extensive field expeditions. Over 1,200 high-precision terrestrial laser-scans were carefully captured. Lalibela stands as a revered city in Ethiopia, boasting an impressive collection of monolithic rock-hewn churches. These structures were meticulously crafted to replicate Jerusalem from the 1100s onward. The churches are expertly carved out of soft volcanic rock, some seamlessly integrated into the face of a cliff while others rise as standalone structures within deeply excavated pits featuring long access tunnels or trenches. Early carved monuments may not necessarily have been churches themselves, yet between the 10th and 11th centuries AD, sophisticated churches showcasing diverse architectural styles were constructed. These structures boasted features that scholars believe originated in ancient Aksum, a civilization that thrived for over eight hundred years prior.