The Great Aksumite Decorated Stelae: Architectural Characteristics, Functions, and Meanings

The article deals with the architectural characteristics of the great Aksumite stelae. Insights into their functions and meanings are proposed on the basis of some architectural features, on their context and location in the urban setting of ancient Aksum. Their decorative program is discussed in order to try to outiline some apects of the Aksumite royal ideology. The fact that the stelae and the ceremonial area of May Hedja may have been crucial setting for ceremonies aimed at identity building of the Aksumite kingdom is proposed as well.