Hawulti, Ancient obelisk in Matara, Eritrea
Hawulti is an ancient obelisk in Matara that rises approximately 5.5 meters (18 feet) tall with a disk and crescent symbol at its peak. Its surface carries inscriptions written in ancient Ge'ez script, offering insight into the early writing systems that developed in this region.
This monument dates to the early 4th century and comes from the pre-Aksumite period of the region. The inscriptions it carries help researchers understand the history and movements of people during this early era.
The disk and crescent symbol crowning this structure shows the religious importance of Sun goddess Šams and Moon god Sin to people in this region long ago. Walking around it, you can still see these symbols and understand how ancient inhabitants connected their beliefs to the sky above them.
The obelisk sits at a highland elevation of about 2,383 meters (7,818 feet) and is maintained as part of the local heritage site. Bring sturdy shoes for walking on uneven ground, as the surrounding area is exposed to mountain weather.
The inscriptions on this structure represent some of the earliest known examples of Ge'ez script in the archaeological record. Their preservation makes this monument an important piece for tracing how writing systems evolved in this part of Africa.
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