Axum (also spelled Aksum), a city steeped in millennia of history and shrouded in captivating legends, stands as a powerful testament to Ethiopia’s ancient grandeur and its enduring spiritual significance. Located in the northern Tigray region, this UNESCO World Heritage site was once the heart of a mighty kingdom that dominated trade routes across the Red Sea and beyond, leaving behind a legacy of impressive archaeological wonders, intricate religious traditions, and a profound sense of national identity.
From roughly the 1st to the 7th centuries AD, the Kingdom of Axum rose to become a major power in the ancient world. Strategically positioned at the crossroads of major trade routes connecting Africa, Arabia, and the Greco-Roman world, Axum flourished as a vibrant commercial hub. Its ships sailed across the Red Sea, controlling vital maritime trade in ivory, gold, spices, and precious goods.
The kingdom’s influence extended across present-day Ethiopia, Eritrea, parts of Sudan, and even into the Arabian Peninsula, as evidenced by Axumite coinage bearing inscriptions in Greek, Ge’ez, and Sabaean.
Perhaps the most iconic symbol of Axum’s past glory is its remarkable stelae field. Towering obelisks, carved from single blocks of granite, punctuate the landscape, standing as silent witnesses to the sophisticated engineering and artistic prowess of the Axumite civilization. These intricately decorated monoliths, some reaching heights of over 20 meters, are believed to have served as funerary markers for powerful rulers and elites. The most famous, the Great Stele, once stood at an astonishing 33 meters, making it the largest single piece of stone ever quarried and erected by humans, before it tragically fell and broke. The re-erected Axum Obelisk, returned from Italy in 2005, stands as a powerful reminder of the city’s rich heritage. Exploring this field is like stepping back in time, marveling at the ambition and skill of a long-lost civilization.
The Legendary Ark of the Covenant:
Beyond its archaeological treasures, Axum holds immense religious significance for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. The city is believed to be the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant, the sacred chest that once held the Ten Commandments given to Moses. According to Ethiopian tradition, the Ark was brought to Axum by Menelik I, the son of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon. It is said to reside within a heavily guarded sanctuary adjacent to the Church of Saint Mary of Zion, and only a select guardian priest is permitted to view it. While the presence of the Ark remains a matter of faith and tradition, its profound importance has shaped Ethiopian religious and national identity for centuries, making Axum the country’s spiritual capital.
The Historic Church of Saint Mary of Zion:
The Church of Saint Mary of Zion holds a central place in Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. The original church is believed to have been built in the 4th century AD, making it one of the earliest Christian churches in sub-Saharan Africa. While the original structure no longer stands, several successive churches have been built on the same site. The current main church, a large and impressive structure, was built by Emperor Haile Selassie in the 20th century. Adjacent to it stands the Old Church, believed to date back to the 17th century, and the heavily guarded treasury where the Ark of the Covenant is said to be kept. Visiting this sacred complex offers a glimpse into the deep-rooted faith and rich traditions of Ethiopian Christianity.
Today, Axum is a vibrant town that seamlessly blends its ancient heritage with modern life. Pilgrims from across Ethiopia and the world flock to the city, particularly for major religious festivals. The bustling markets offer a taste of local life, and the warmth and hospitality of the Axumite people are palpable.
Exploring the city involves wandering through its historical sites, engaging with its rich religious traditions, and experiencing the enduring spirit of a civilization that once shaped the course of history.
A visit to Axum is more than just a historical tour; it’s a pilgrimage to the very roots of Ethiopian civilization and its deep-seated Christian faith. It’s an opportunity to witness monumental archaeological wonders, delve into captivating legends, and experience the enduring spiritual heart of a nation with a proud and ancient heritage. Axum stands as a powerful reminder of Africa’s rich and influential past, a city that continues to inspire awe and reverence in all who visit.
