When we usually come across the civilization of Aksum we just picture the amazingly still sculptured obelisks but Aksum has more to it than just the obelisks. The Aksum civilization which is located on the northern edge of the highland zone of the Red sea coast,just above the horn of Africa was the greatest civilization of all time. The territory of Aksum controlled the present day States of Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti and Somali. It is also said that Aksum also held portions of the Arabian peninsula to the east of the red sea.
The city of Aksum is mainly known for its tall, carved obelisks which are relics of the ancient kingdom of Aksum. The centuries old Saint Mary of Zion is another biggest attraction which is a Christian church and pilgrimage site that in housed the biblical ark of covenant. The church was built in the regime of Ezana the first Christian ruler of the kingdom of Aksum. The church has been destroyed and rebuilt at least twice as history implies. The city was also a major trade center which reached its peak under the leadership of king Ezana. The Ge’ez alphabet which is unique for the kingdom and also having their own kingdom which makes the civilization unique.
The creativity and kindness of the people in that time made the city the most visited tourist attraction worldwide. Most of the obelisk’s are still standing while some of them are worn due to age and also war back in the day. Going to Aksum makes the present day architects question their work and get motivated to work more.
Article By: Kalkidan Teshome
