Preserving African Heritage
By Gabriel Castillo
Axum
Aksum
This site symbolizes the importance and wealth of the civilization of the ancient Aksumite kingdom. Very impressive monuments such as obelisks, palace ruins, royal tombs, and churches reside in this location. Also of immense importance to historians of the ancient world, a series of inscriptions on stone tablets include text from King Ezana from the 4th century AD. The ruins of this ancient civilization cover a wide area in the Tigray Plateau. Previously at the crossroads of three continents, this kingdom was the most powerful state between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia.
This site is worth preserving because most of the exquisite architectural structures found in this location will become more vulnerable and potentially even be lost. The region of Axum was at the crossroads of many different cultures and it can be considered a one of a kind place. It even holds the believed location of the Ark of the Covenant! If all these artifacts and monuments of diverse culture are lost, then a great part of history of not only Africa, but also surrounding countries will perish.
Ethiopia
Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela
This site contains eleven medieval monolithic churches, which were carved out of rock. This site is situated in the mountainous region in the heart of Ethiopia. The building of these churches is attributed to King Lalibela. He set out to construct a "New Jerusalem" in the 12th century, due to Muslim conquests which had halted Christian pilgrimages to the Holy Land. There are two main groups of churches: to the north and to the south of the river Jordan. The whole of Lalibela gives a great evidence to the medieval and post-medieval civilization of Ethiopia.
This site is worth preserving mainly because it is such a high place of Ethiopian Christianity. To this day, it continues to function as it was originally meant to; a pilgrimage location. Continuity of social and religious practices still take place at these churches. If this were to be one day no longer preserved, then it would be a major loss for the Ethiopian and African Christian community.
Great Zimbabwe
Great Zimbabwe National Monument
This site extends over almost 800 ha (hectare) and is divided into three groups: the Great Enclosure, the Valley Ruins, and the Hill Ruins. During the 14th century, it was the principal city of a major state expanding over the gold-rich plateaux. However this location soon become overpopulated, exceeding 10,000 inhabitants, and then abandoned for the reason of deforestation. Founded in the 11th century, it was previously inhabited by Bantu and Shona population. This site was also revealed to be a major trade location and quite complex both socially and economically.
This site is worth preserving not only because of its archaeological remains, but also for the natural environment within and around this location of Great Zimbabwe. Furthermore, since the Middle Ages, the unique artistic achievement of this great city has struck the imagination from travelers around the world. It would be a shame if these masterpieces are not to be preserved. Also, the influence from the ancient Bantu and Shona people in this location are not to be disregarded and it makes this site that much more precious.