Le travail de la pierre à Aksum

Ancient Aksumite stonemasons demonstrated sophisticated techniques in selecting and shaping stone, favoring syénite for monumental structures due to its durability. They exploited natural fractures for precise megalth cutting and employed advanced methods like wooden sledges on slopes and rollers on flat terrain to transport heavy stones, suggesting the use of draft animals or mechanical aids like pulleys. Their toolkit included specialized iron tools, such as narrow-edged chisels (1–3 mm) struck with mallets, for fine detailing. The process involved multiple specialists working simultaneously on different sections, a practice supported by lapidary marks in tombs. This approach reveals stronger Roman-Egyptian influences than South Arabian traditions, showcasing Aksum's advanced stonework mastery.

Bessac, J.-C. (2014). Le travail de la pierre à Aksum. Annales d’Ethiopie, 29(1), 147–178. https://doi.org/10.3406/ethio.2014.1563