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Ancient Africa

Kingdom of Aksum (Axum)

The Kingdom of Aksum was an ancient kingdom of Africa. It is sometimes called the Kingdom of Axum or Ancient Ethiopia.

Where was the Kingdom of Aksum located?

The Kingdom of Aksum was located along the southern coast of the Red Sea. While most of the empire was west of the Red Sea in the Horn of Africa, at times Aksum also held portions of the Arabian Peninsula to the east of the Red Sea. The kingdom covered much of the current day country of Eritrea as well as northern Ethiopia, Sudan, Yemen, and southern Saudi Arabia.


Map of Aksum by Ducksters

How long did the Kingdom of Aksum rule?

The city of Aksum likely formed around 400 BCE. Legend has it that the kingdom was first established by the son of King Solomon of Israel and the Queen of Sheba. Aksum began to rise in power and expand around 100 CE, reaching its peak around 350 CE. It continued to rule the region until around 940 CE when it was conquered by a foreign queen. After a period of unrest, the Zagwe Dynasty took control of the region.

King Ezana and the Peak of the Aksum Empire

Aksum reached its peak under the leadership of King Ezana who ruled from around 325 CE to 360 CE. During this time, Aksum expanded its territory and became a major trade center. It was under King Ezana that Aksum conquered the Kingdom of Kush, destroying the city of Meroe. King Ezana also converted to Christianity. He was a devout Christian and Christianity became the major religion of the kingdom.

Center of Trade

Aksum was perfectly located to become a major center of trade. Merchants would travel from central Africa, Persia, India, and Egypt bringing their goods to Aksum to trade. Aksum had access to several different trade routes including major waterways such as the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Nile River.

The major port city of Aksum was the city of Adulis, which was situated on the coast of the Red Sea. Merchants in Adulis traded in a wide variety of products including salt, gold, ivory, gems, cloth, glass, and olive oil. Some traders would travel from distant lands such as the Roman Empire and India to acquire goods at Adulis.

Culture of the Kingdom of Aksum

Because of Aksum's location and role in international trading, the culture of Aksum became a blend of many cultures throughout the region. They were influenced by the Egyptians, the Greeks, the Romans, and the Arabs. Christianity, the primary religion after 325 CE, had a major influence on the culture as well.

Aksum was one of the more advanced cultures of Ancient Africa. They developed a written language and minted their own coins. They also developed terraced farming and irrigation, which allowed them to farm the slopes of the local mountains, making their hilly land more productive.


Obelisk of Axum by Henri Salt
Architecture and Towers

Unlike their northern neighbors of Egypt, Aksum did not build pyramids. Instead, Aksum is famous for building tall towers called stelae. The tallest of these towers was nearly 100 feet high. The towers were elaborately carved with inscriptions, stone doors, and fake windows. The most famous of these towers is the Obelisk of Axum which was taken by Italian soldiers upon conquering Ethiopia in 1937. The tower was later returned in pieces and reconstructed in 2008.

Interesting Facts about the Kingdom of Aksum Activities

To learn more about Ancient Africa:

Civilizations
Ancient Egypt
Kingdom of Ghana
Mali Empire
Songhai Empire
Kush
Kingdom of Aksum
Central African Kingdoms
Ancient Carthage

Culture
Art in Ancient Africa
Daily Life
Griots
Islam
Traditional African Religions
Slavery in Ancient Africa
 People
Boers
Cleopatra VII
Hannibal
Pharaohs
Shaka Zulu
Sundiata

Geography
Countries and Continent
Nile River
Sahara Desert
Trade Routes

Other
Timeline of Ancient Africa
Glossary and Terms


Works Cited

History >> Ancient Africa


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