Ancient skeletons in Abune-Libanos Monastery placed in coffin

The 1,500 year-old ancient skeletons, mummies, at Ham Endaba-Libanos Monastery in Tsorona sub-zone have now been covered up by coffins made up of glass and marble so as to properly preserve them from being ruined. 

Tsorona, 15 February 2011 – The 1,500 year-old ancient skeletons, mummies, at Ham Endaba-Libanos Monastery in Tsorona sub-zone have now been covered up by coffins made up of glass and marble so as to properly preserve them from being ruined. 

A monk in the Monastery, Aba Gebreslasie stated that although 60 mummies were discovered in the Monastery in the early years of independence,  many of them continue to sustain damage due to failure to take urgent action to properly preserve them. Only 10 of them that are in good condition have now been laid in durable coffin, while another 6 are in a distressing shape, he added.

Aba Gebreslasie further expressed appreciation to Segen Construction Company, the Eritrean National Museum and benevolent nationals for making due contribution in the preservation of those skeletons that are in good condition. 

The Monastery which is located 27 Km. south of Tsorona semi-urban center is always open for pilgrims, visitors and researchers. He noted that the construction of a dirt road running to the Monastery through the Southern regional Administration has relieved the monks from extra burden.

The Abune-Libanos Ham Debre-Werq Monastery that dates back to 437 A.D has about 80 monks and students, and is endowed with spectacular landscape, salubrious weather,  water with special taste from rocks, about 80 tombs deeply erected  in rocks and ancient skeletons, among others.