Axum - The Fountainhead of Ethiopian civilization

Axum is the ancient kingdom that flourished in northeastern Africa from the 1st century BC until the early 7th century AD. The ruins of the ancient city of Aksum are found close to Ethiopia's northern border on the heart of ancient Ethiopia was once the capital of Ethiopia. It is known for its historical and pre-historic relics. The origins of the Kingdom of Axum in 5th century BC are most frequently accepted as the event commencing the history of Ethiopia. In the times of its greatest prosperity, the Kingdom was maintaining political and commercial contacts with the civilizations of Greeks and Romans, and also with India and China. In the times of Kingdom of Axum, the Geez language became an official one until today, it has been in use in the churches of Ethiopia 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.

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In accordance with a legend, it is from here that the Queen of Sheba departed in order to meet King Solomon. 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, 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.