Ethiopia: Ancient palace structure could have supported 19 stories

Archaeological research conducted at the ancient settlement of Yeha in northern Ethiopia suggests that societies in South Arabia and the Horn of Africa were capable of constructing multi-story buildings around 800 BCE. A joint study by the German Archaeological Institute (DAI) and the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU) utilized numerical modeling to analyze the Grat Be’al Gibri palace.

The findings indicate that the palace's structural system could have supported up to 19 stories. While researchers have not discovered a preserved 19-story building, the models demonstrate that the construction techniques used were capable of such height. The palace, which measured approximately 60 by 60 meters, is considered the largest known palace of its era in South Arabia and East Africa.

The structural strength was achieved through a specific technique involving masonry joined with mortar and horizontal wooden beams placed inside the walls in an alternating pattern to reinforce the structure. The original building was destroyed by fire in antiquity, leaving only parts of the lower level and podium for study.