ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY IN NA’EDER WEREDA, CENTRAL ZONE OF TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

This thesis presents the results of an archaeological survey undertaken in Na’eder Wereda, central zone of Tigray, northern Ethiopia, aimed at assessing and documenting archaeological sites and developing a tentative chronology. Addressing the gap in knowledge regarding unexplored sites, the research employed a descriptive methodology for analyzing surface finds. The survey successfully identified ten archaeological sites, eight of which are newly discovered, significantly expanding our understanding of the study area’s history. It acknowledges some limitations while conducting surface survey and the challenge of dating surface material. Comparative analysis of the recovered sites and artifacts with established material culture sequences from northern Ethiopia has allowed for the development of a tentative chronological framework spanning the Pre-Aksumite, Proto-Aksumite, and Aksumite periods. However, the survey also revealed substantial threats to the cultural heritage of the area, stemming from agricultural practices, construction, soil erosion etc. The thesis concludes with a set of specific recommendations designed for future archaeological research, to address the described challenges and ensure the long-term preservation of these significant archaeological sites.