Table of Contents
How did the Axum empire change?
After a second golden age in the early 6th century the empire began to decline in the mid 6th century, eventually ceasing its production of coins in the early 7th century. Around this same time, the Aksumite population was forced to go farther inland to the highlands for protection, abandoning Aksum as the capital.
How did Axum develop?
Legend has it that the kingdom was first established by the son of King Solomon of Israel and the Queen of Sheba. Aksum began to rise in power and expand around 100 CE, reaching its peak around 350 CE. It continued to rule the region until around 940 CE when it was conquered by a foreign queen.
What was Axum known for?
Known for its monumental obelisk and as an early center of Christianity in Africa, Axum became one of the holiest of cities of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Despite Axum’s current state of poverty, it was once a city distinguished by prestigious power. By the third century A.D. Axum had established its own currency.
What happened to Axum?
After a second golden age in the early 6th century, the empire began to decline, eventually ceasing its production of coins in the early 7th century. Around the same time, the Aksumite population was forced to go farther inland to the highlands for protection, abandoning Aksum as the capital.
When did Axum accept Christianity?
Aksum embraced the Orthodox tradition of Christianity in the 4th century (c. 340–356 C.E.) under the rule of King Ezana.
What role did the Red Sea play in making the kingdom of Axum powerful?
Aksum benefited from a major transformation of the maritime trading system that linked the Roman Empire and India. Starting around 100 BCE, a route from Egypt to India was established, making use of the Red Sea and using monsoon winds to cross the Arabian Sea directly to southern India.
When did Aksum end?
In the latter part of the 6th century, however, the Persians invaded South Arabia and brought Aksumite influence there to a close. Later the Mediterranean trade of Aksum was ended by the encroachment of the Arabs in the 7th and 8th centuries.
Why was Aksum so powerful?
The kingdom of Aksum was able to develop a strong naval military because of its large population, powerful weapons, and control over the Red Sea. Its powerful military allowed for Aksum to expand their frontiers and patrol their trade routes.