- Aksum was the capital of the ancient Aksumite Empire which existed between c.100 to 940 CE, and was located in Abyssinia, modern Ethiopia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The Aksumite Empire was on a trade route between the Roman Empire, Persia, India and Africa.
Description
- It was close to the Red Sea coast, near the Bab el Mandeb Strait.
- The port of Adulis was the main Red Sea Port of the Aksumite Empire.
Aksumite Empire
- The Aksumite Empire (c. 100-940 CE) covered the area of northern Ethiopia and Eritrea.
- It was considered by the Persian Prophet Mani (216-274 CE), to be the fourth great World Empire, along with Rome, Persia and China.
Ancient Sites
- Aksum is the Site of seven large Stelae, weighing up to 500 tons. They are built in the same style as an Egyptian Obelisk.
- There are also Royal Tombs and Palace Ruins.
- Aksum is also famous for, allegedly, being the home of the Ark of the Covenant mentioned in The Bible.
Aksum