# Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela (c. 1200)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/1200-rock-hewn-churches-of-lalibela
Location: Lalibela, Ethiopia
Themes: Architecture

King Lalibela of Ethiopia has monolithic churches carved from rock as a "New Jerusalem". At this point in the timeline (c. 1200), the Bishop of Rome was Pope Innocent III (8 January 1198 – 16 July 1216).

## Why it matters
Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela mattered because it created a lasting landmark of Christian worship, art and pilgrimage.

Pope at the time: [Pope Innocent III](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-innocent-iii)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock-Hewn_Churches,_Lalibela)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Rock-hewn+churches+of+Lalibela)
- [Wikipedia — Medieval Church (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Catholic_Church#Middle_Ages)