Aksumite

 Kingdom and its magnificent artifacts

Ethiopia is one of the countries that boast ancient civilization. It has a history that spans 3,000 years. Besides, it is home of pre-historic civilization known as the Yeha and the Aksumite civilization that flourished between 1 BC 7 century BC. The ancient town of Aksum had a very splendid civilization. It is still known as UNESCO’s heritage site and the Ark of the Covenant’s domicile.

Akusmite Kingdom was one of the four mighty Kingdoms that ever flourished in the ancient times. It had a vast territory, abundant wealth and military strength. Archaeological excavations signify how much prosperous the Kingdom was.It had

 been controlling the highly strategic red sea route.

According to Mekonen Abreha, History Lecturer at Addis Ababa University, the Aksumite Kingdom was very strong in political, economic, cultural and military aspects. As far as economic aspect is concerned, the Kingdom had more than 500 ships that could facilitate foreign trade. It had been exporting diamond, gold, ivory and frankincense to the then trading partners such as Rome, China and Persia. Its major port Adulis was a popular trade outlet.Almost all export and import trade had been undertaken via it. Owing to its immense prosperity, several artifacts are found there. Obelisks, palaces, tombs, ancient manuscripts, monasteries and many tangible and intangible heritages are among the legacies of the ancient Aksumite Empire, according to the scholar.

‘‘There are many obelisks in Aksum and its surrounding areas which signify the mightiness of the Kingdom and its emperors. The Emperors and their royal cronies had been erecting obelisks to mark their tombs. Sometimes, the obelisks hint on the beliefs of the kings,’’ he stated.

Besides, The Aksumite obelisks were curved to signify the architectural style of the Kingdom. The architectural style in a monolithic stone is highly impressive. It has stories and each of them looks to have a frame, structural backings, and windows and all of them have carved outlines.

At the top, there is a rounded peak that once was enclosed in a metal frame. It was likely used to convey some sort of symbolic image or icon, according to Mekonnen.

Stone inscriptions are the other incredible heritages of the Aksumite Kingdom. Those inscriptions have been used to register battle front adventures, trade and diplomatic issues. Aksumite kings such as Ezana, Kaleb and Gebremeskel are known for their stone curved inscriptions.

The Ethiopian Herald June 23/2019

BY TSEGAY HAGOS