Axum, Archaeological site in northern Ethiopia.
Axum is an archaeological site in Axum town in northern Ethiopia, where granite monuments and remains of ancient palaces stand at an elevation of roughly 2,130 meters (about 7,000 feet). Upright stelae rise between modern buildings, while stone foundations lie scattered under the open sky.
The Kingdom of Aksum emerged in the first century as a trading power that maintained connections with Rome and Persia. In the fourth century, its rulers adopted Christianity, shaping the religious landscape of the region for the centuries that followed.
The Church of Saint Mary of Zion forms the religious center, where Ethiopian Orthodox Christians believe the Ark of the Covenant rests. Priests in white robes move between the buildings, while pilgrims from across the country arrive to attend services.
The sites spread across the modern town, so visitors can walk or use a vehicle to move between individual points. The ground lies at altitude, so it helps to start slowly and give yourself time to adjust to the thinner air.
Stone thrones carved from single granite blocks lie scattered across the palace grounds, marking places where rulers once performed ceremonial acts. Some of these thrones carry engraved inscriptions in Ge'ez, the ancient language of the kingdom.
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