Axum Axum was an ancient African civilization.

Geography The territory across the red sea from Arabia. Located in the Ethiopian highlands. Axum’s access to both the red sea and the upper Nile enabled its strong navy to profit in trade between various African, Arabian, and Indian states.

Law and Government/Rulers King Ezana was the first leader to embrace Christianity. King Kaleb lead the invasion of Yemen, stopping the persecution of his Christian people.

Religion The Axum’s were a derived from Arabic religion. Ezana declared Axum a Christian state. This was the first Christian state in the world. Axum’s used to be polytheistic and they believed that gods controlled natural forces. Later on the Axum converted to Christianity and they were some Islam’s and some Christians. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church Aksum is a place where the Ark of the Covenant was brought by Menelik 1, son of Queen Sheba and king Solomon of Israel

Economy Exported glass crystal, brass, copper, myrrh as medicine, and frankincense for burials. Imported gold, silver, wine, and olive oil from Egypt and the Greco-Roman world. Coins used Greek for easier trade. One of the most important port cites in Africa and was in the path of many trade routes causing Axum to become a strong empire.

Achievements Stele-Tall, thin monuments of solid stone were built to be tombs for their rulers. Some of the largest steles of the ancient world were built, dating back to 300 A.D. Arts- Showed their skill, craftsmanship and sophistication through intricate; pottery, ivory, glassware and metal work in gold, silver, bronze and iron. Coins-The first African Civilization to produce gold, silver, and bronze coins. On the coins were inscribed the faces of their kings.

WHAT FORCES LED TO THE RISE OF AXUM? They had a vast control over fertile land and valuable natural resources. Axum was also in the center of many trade routes with other great civilizations.