Browse > Home / Travel and Leisure / Travelling to the Ethiopian Kingdom Of Axum 700 years B.C.

Travelling to the Ethiopian Kingdom Of Axum 700 years B.C.

April 22, 2009

Aksum Ethiopia is the beginning and the end. It seems to be situated at the end of world. Not much seems to be beyond. On the other hand, it was here where the ancient aksum empire began to exist about seven hundred years B.C. The northern territory of what is now Ethiopia including Eritrea, used to be one of the most powerful states of the first five centuries A.D.

The axum kingdom was the capital of the state, and practiced Christian teachings from the 4th century onwards although by the 7th century there was an expanding settlement of Muslims in the region. From the axum kingdom the early Ethiopian culture spread southward and from where today its roots can be traced.

Aksum is now a center for tourism, but where tradition and quietness are most evident. When travelling around Ethiopia what one notices is how every town has its own unique style.

As much as Gonder is Italian art-deco style and relaxed, Bahirdar tropical and modern, while Ancient Axum is Africa of the middle-ages. It is what you would expect of a remote location in the mountains. It’s dusty, sandy and seems to be separated from the world, which, actually, is true.

If you’re seeking adventure in a desert setting then Ancient Axum could be just what you are looking for. Axum is particularly rich in ancient history. The best known remains of the ancient capital are stelas and obelisks. They mark the places where rulers and state dignitaries were buried.

In the so called “Stela field”, where the greatest monolithic columns of Aksum were raised, only one of those big ones survived erected, surrounded by several smaller stelas. The biggest of all has never been successfully constructed and could have broken apart while being lifted into place. Since then it has laid there in three picturesque pieces. Actually, the collapsed one is the most impressive of all, presenting a splendour and grandeur in its imperfect form.

Undoubtedly the most splendid view of these Ancient Axum obelisks is from the hill opposite. The sunset admired from this place brings reflections on power and state and on the futility of human life. Or, if your thoughts are not so inclined, you can just enjoy the moment.

Ancient obelisks are to be found all around Aksum. They can be seen from almost any direction either entering or leaving the town. Exiting the town westward on the road to Gonder one will see another large field of stelae to the left side of the road. Not only are the stelas smaller but also much older than the well known ones, which mark the centre of Aksum.

Also to be found on the same road is the Queen of Sheba’s Palace. Unfortunately, only the lower walls have survived but still some accessories of the ancient palace are to be found there, e.g. water channels and steps to what were lower level rooms.

It might seem nothing special at first glance, but with a little imagination it is very easy to be taken back to the time when it was inhabited and the walls were still standing and covered with a roof. Today, the rooms are wandered mainly by local livestock who seem to be quite at home there. You can learn more about Aksum Ethiopia by reading the further article about the axum kingdom by Dr. Rubinkowska, Dept. Languages & Culture at Warsaw University.

Related Articles:

  • No Related Articles

Comments

Got something to say?

You must be logged in to post a comment.