Tiya archaeological site, Archaeological site in Southern Nations, Ethiopia
Tiya is an archaeological site containing 36 decorated stone stelae arranged as part of a burial complex, with some monuments rising above six and a half feet (two meters) high. The stones bear carved designs and symbols that have survived over centuries.
The stone monuments were erected between the 10th and 15th centuries to mark the graves of influential people. This period saw changes in the way communities in the region organized and lived.
The carved stelae display swords, plant forms, and T-shaped symbols that reveal how people honored the dead in ancient times. These patterns show what mattered to the community when marking graves and remembering important figures.
The site is located south of Addis Ababa with staff members available to guide visitors through the monuments. Wear comfortable shoes and allow time to walk between the stones while exploring the area.
The arrangement of the stelae aligns with patterns linked to star positions and celestial happenings. This reveals that the people who built them had knowledge of the night sky and its connection to their beliefs about death.
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