The churches of Lalibela. History and meaning

From 10 Dec 2013 to 10 Dec 2013

The presentation of this book by anthropologist Jacques Mercier and Claude Lepage.

Mercier has been specialising in Ethiopia since 1972 when he studied Ethiopian esoteric and traditional medicine. Since 1995 he has been studying Christian art and architecture in Ethiopia. Claude Lepage is emeritus professor of Byzantine art at the Ecole Pratique des Hautes-Etudes in Paris.

The 11 Lalibela Ethiopian Orthodox churches date from the 12^th or 13^th centuries and are cut directly out of the rock. Located in the north of Ethiopia in the Amhara region they were first discovered by a Portuguese explorer and priest in late 15^th century. They are now a UNESCO world Heritage site.