This monument, properly termed a stele ( or  in the local Afroasiatic language) was carved and erected in the 4th century by subjects of the Kingdom of Aksum, an ancient civilization focussed in the Ethiopian and Eritrean highlands. The stelae are thought to be "markers" for underground burial chambers. The largest grave markers were for royal burial chambers and were decorated with multi-story false windows and false doors; nobility would have smaller, less decorated stelae.
This monument, known as a stele (or in the local Afroasiatic language), was created by subjects of the Kingdom of Aksum, an ancient civilization located in the Ethiopian and Eritrean highlands, during the 4th century. These monuments are believed to be markers for underground burial chambers. The largest stelae were used for royal burials and featured multi-story false windows and doors; smaller stelae were used for nobility.