Hawulti (monument)

The Hawulti monument is a significant pre-Aksumite archaeological site located in Matara, Eritrea. This 5.5-meter-high obelisk is adorned with a disk and crescent symbol, believed to represent the Sun and Moon deities, Šams and Sin, reflecting its pre-Christian origins. The monument is especially noteworthy for bearing the oldest known example of the ancient Ge'ez script, lacking vowel marks, which suggests its dating to the early 4th century CE. Edward Ullendorff's translation of the inscription reveals references to local placenames and historical events, although interpretations differ among scholars. Despite past damage, the monument has been repaired and stands as a testament to the region's early cultural and religious practices, offering valuable insights into pre-Aksumite civilization.