Scientists May Have Just Discovered One of World’s Earliest Skyscrapers
Summary
Scientists studied an ancient palace in Ethiopia called Grat Be’al Gibri, which is about 2,800 years old. Their research suggests the palace's walls could have supported a very tall building, possibly with many floors like a skyscraper.Key Facts
- The Grat Be’al Gibri palace is located in Yeha, Ethiopia, in the Ethiopian-Eritrean highlands.
- The palace dates back to around 800 B.C. and once covered about 60 by 60 meters (around 196 by 196 feet).
- Researchers used 3D models and engineering tests to study the palace walls’ strength.
- The building technique combined clay, stone, timber beams, and rubble masonry.
- The walls could theoretically hold the weight of a structure with 19 floors, though the palace likely did not reach that height.
- Ancient texts and art suggest multi-story buildings existed in the region, but this is the first engineering study to support those ideas.
- The study shows that ancient African builders had advanced knowledge of materials and construction.
- Researchers caution that calling the palace a “skyscraper” isn’t exactly correct but agree it was a highly advanced building for its time.
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