Axum is the ancient kingdom that flourished in northeastern Africa from the 1st century BC until the early 7th century AD. Axum is 360km north of Gonder and is the ancient city which was once the capital of Ethiopia. It is known for its historical and pre-historic relics. Legend has, that it was once the seat of the Queen of Sheba or Makeda (as the Ethiopians call her) who reigned over the region in the 10th century B.C. The Axum obelisks were carved out from a single granite stone and are the world’s tallest monolithic art work. It is believed that they were erected some 2000 years ago. They are unique in their architectural beauty and mysterious past. Axum is also known as an archaeological site where one can find historic and pre-historic relics unearthed through continuous excavations. These items are displayed in the museum at Axum.

The Ethiopian epic the Kibre Negest (glory of kings) tells us that Menilik I, the son of the queen of Sheba and king Solomon of Israel, brought the original Ark of the Covenant from Jerusalem to Axum. And there by established one of the world’s longest known and uninterrupted monarchical dynasties called the Solomonic dynasty. Impressive ruins, monuments and archeological artifacts abound in and around Axum attesting to the solid, articulate, confident, literate and resourceful strength of the civilization.

Referred to as the head of the all Ethiopian churches, Axum’s St. Mary of Zion climes to be the custodian of the original Ark of the Covenant brought by Menilik I .Axum’s most popular attractions includes as you gaze on the magnificent steals or obelisks, the tomb of king Kaleb and King Gebre Meskel, and the legendary palace and bath of queen Sheba.