3-021-494 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Expedition to Abyssinia: ruins of an ancient Greek church at Agoola, 1868. Engraving of a sketch Major H. A. Leveson. 'The station of Agoola is one day's march from Ad-Abaga, and half way between Adigerat and Antalo. Here is a curious and interesting ruin, apparently the remains of a church, and of great antiquity. Opinions vary as to whether it is Greek or Abyssinian; there are no Greek traces about it, except a rude resemblance to the Corinthian pillar. On the other hand, it is hard to believe that it was built by natives of the country, it is so superior to anything yet seen in the way of Abyssinian architecture. There is a handsome flight of stone steps leading up to the entrance, and two columns of solid, well-cemented brickwork; slabs of stone cut as no Abyssinian tool could cut them, and white marble inlaid in parts of the floor. The building has the general form of a cross. It is surrounded by a rough stone wall, and may have been used as a fortress. It is dedicated to St. Khorkos, and the date assigned to its erection is the fourth century of the Christian era. Major Leveson was told that this church was destroyed by King Sabaugadis, to search for a treasure supposed to be hidden in its sacred precincts'. From "Illustrated London News", 1868.