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Lalibela's Cross: Ethiopia's Sacred Geometry
Description
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the intricate symbolism and craftsmanship of Lalibela's rock-hewn crosses, from the grand processional crosses of the Zagwe dynasty to the hand crosses carried by priests today. They trace how these objects blend Aksumite legacy, Ge'ez inscriptions, and the theology of the Tewahedo Church, revealing a unique fusion of faith and empire. The conversation moves from the engineering of the churches themselves to the artistry of their sacred metalwork, touching on the role of crosses in Timkat celebrations and the wider Solomonic revival. Along the way, they consider what these objects tell us about medieval Ethiopian society, its connections to the wider Christian world, and how religious art became a political statement. A live donation appeal ties the preservation of these artifacts to the continued telling of their stories.