Ancient origins of the Ethiopian empire: the rise of Aksum
The earliest origins of the Ethiopian Empire date back to before 1270. The story begins with the Kingdom of Aksum, also known as the Aksumite Empire, an ancient kingdom of great importance in the classical world. Aksum was located in present-day northern Ethiopia and flourished from around 80 BC to 825 AD. Named after its key city, the capital called Axum, its strategic location played a crucial role in the trade routes of the ancient world, notably between ancient India and the Roman Empire. Over time, Aksum grew in power and importance and eclipsed the neighboring and older kingdom of Kush.
The importance of Aksum was well described by the famous Persian prophet Mani, who said:
“There are four great kingdoms on Earth: the first is the kingdom of Babylon and Persia; the second is the kingdom of Rome; the third is the kingdom of the Aksumites; the fourth is the kingdom of the Chinese.
The kingdom of Aksum was well known to the Greeks and Romans, as well as the Arabs and Persians. Aksum rose to great heights thanks almost exclusively to trade. Trade was the key factor that allowed Aksum to become the capital of an empire. This can undoubtedly be attributed to its proximity to the Red Sea and its trade routes, since it was enough to successfully meet the growing need of the Greeks and Romans for African products. One of Aksum's main exports was elephant ivory, which was a highly sought-after commodity in the Mediterranean, the Levant and Persia.
Aksumite traders established large caravans that traveled into the interior of Africa to obtain more ivory. As Aksum was located at a key crossroads of commercial traffic, this only accelerated its prosperity. Over time, Aksum became home to a burgeoning civilization of unique character, nourished by a true amalgam of indigenous African cultures infused with South Arabian character, as well as many influences from the classical Mediterranean world.
Original article entitled /"Abyssinia and the Ethiopian Empire: the ancient history of a nation in difficulty./"
Link: https://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-places-africa/ethiopian-empire-0014282?fbclidIwAR3nBiddAAPT1Yq-YLJZJlPDXQKx5nemjwZrXlBoBG_i8US1uZfW8BKrb08
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