The article is a continuation of the study of the features of the vaults of rock-hewn churches in the Tigray region in northern Ethiopia, the first part of which was devoted to domes. The focus of this article is two motives widespread in the vaults of the rock-hewn churches of Tigray: caissons and lantern ceiling. In the basilicas of the late period (14th-15th cent.), these elements are often combined. For the first time, the issue of the genesis of these structures in Ethiopia is specially considered in the context of the possible influence of other regions of the world, primarily in the context of the connection with the ancient tradition. The article is the first to propose a classification of various types of the considered elements in the rock-hewn architecture of Ethiopia, based on stylistic analysis. In Ethiopia, the caissons are possibly of Arab-Muslim and Coptic origin, and have their origins in the architecture of the Eastern Mediterranean during the ancient period. It is much more difficult to establish the genesis of the structure of overlapping the vault with lantern. In search of prototypes, the author turns to an array of monuments with a similar overlap, which had a vast distribution area. This form is of particular interest in the ancient tradition. In the antique period, it was widespread in Asia Minor. The possibility of the continuity of Ethiopia in relation to ancient culture is confirmed by the finds of archaeologists. However, the influence of antiquity could also be indirect.