Qohaito
The columns of a ruined structure at Qohaito | |
Qohaito Shown within Eritrea | |
| Alternative name | Koloe |
|---|---|
| Location | Debub Region, Eritrea |
| Region | Horn of Africa |
| Coordinates | 14°51′58″N 39°25′26″E / 14.86611°N 39.42389°E |
| Type | Settlement |
| Part of | Punt, Dʿmt, Aksum |
Qohaito (Tigrinya: ቆሓይቶ) or Koloe was a major ancient city in what is now the Debub region of Eritrea. It was a pre-Aksumite settlement that thrived during the Aksumite period. The city was located over 2,500 meters above sea level, on a high plateau at the edge of the Great Rift Valley, about half way between Aksum and its port of Adulis. As of 2011, Qohaito's stone ruins have yet to be excavated. The ancient port city of Adulis is directly to the north east, while Matara lies to the south.
In 2011, the site was submitted to the 'Tentative List of States Parties' of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.