The Aksumite Kingdom that was there from 100 AD to 940 AD is one of the four ancient civilizations that ever flourished on the planet. The kingdom was robust politically, economically, culturally and militarily.
The Kingdom that covered the present day East Africa, North Africa and South Arabia had its own coin for trade transaction with the then prosperous nations like Persia, Byzantine and China. The ancient coins were unearthed through archaeological excavations. Most of them and are kept in Aksum museum.
According to historical manuscripts, the Aksumite emperors began minting coins around 270 CE. That is during the reign of King Endubis.
Tesfay Gebremariam, History Lecturer at Mekelle University, said that owning own currency during that time would signify how much the Kingdom was prosperous.
‘‘Aksumite Emperors had been minting coins in gold, silver and bronze. King Endubis was the first King to issue coins.
The Aksumite Kingdom had full control of the strategic Red Sea route. It had been trading with the then superpowers like Byzantine, later Roman Empire, Greek and China. Greek and Roman Empire coins were found in Aksum. This shows to us how much strong the Aksumite Kingdom was in economic aspects,’’ he explains.
The Aksumite Kingdom had been exporting commodities such as ivory, gold, tortoise shell, emeralds, silk, spices and frankincense. While the Kingdom was making trade with the aforementioned countries, the Aksumite coins had equal value in the global market. As the coins of other nations of that time were found in Aksum, studies show Aksumite coins were in circulations in Greek and Byzantine Empires.
‘‘Trade was the main source of wealth for the Aksumite Empire. The creation of currency during that time could be considered as a huge achievement. It revolutionized the trade transaction in an incredible manner. It created a swift way of taxation and tax collection. As a result, it enhanced the Empire’s economy significantly,’’ Tesfay notes.
When King Endubis issued his own coin, his image was engraved on it. Similarly those who came after him used to engrave their image on coins. For instance, Kings such as Endubis, Wazeba, Ousanas, Ezana, Kaleb and Armah had their own coin with their image etched on it. Ezana, the first Aksumite King to adopt Christianity in 4th century AD, is the first King in the world to depict the image of the cross on the coin he minted. He used the coins as vehicles to expand his faith. On the other hand, those before Ezana were using gods (heathen/ pagan symbols) like sun or moon.
According to Tesfay, faith had a very important place during ancient times. Especially those who crowned since Ezana were ardent followers of Christianity.
‘‘Even those who believe in gods were passionate to portray the symbols of their gods. Most of the time, images of moon and sun were engraved on the coins. But after Ezana, the Kings opted to portray the symbol of cross on their coins,’’ the lecturer highlighted.
He further stated that the rulers who reigned from 4th and 5th centuries often incorporated phrases such as ‘By the grace of God’ and ‘Christ is with us” on the coins that had been minted.
Meanwhile, the Akusmite Empire was at the zenith of civilization during the reign of King Kaleb (C. 520). He is the first King to begin customs of royal names derived from the Old Testament, according to Tesfay. Besides, three crosses were portrayed on his gold coins so as to symbolize the Trinity.
The last Aksumite King who minted coins was Armah. He was the King who welcomed Prophet Mohammed’s followers and who allowed them asylum.
Gradually the prominence of the Kingdom stared to wane. Especially, after it lost grips of the Red Sea trade, it was affected economically. This led to its total decline.
The Ethiopian Herald Sunday Edition 6 October 2019
BY TSEGAY HAGOS
