Aksum in Ethiopia | Tripmondo

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Aksum (Metropolitan Museum of Art)

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1980
Size of heritage:

Coordinates:
Longitude: 38,719°
Latitude: 14,130°

Summary

The ruins of the ancient city of Aksum are found close to Ethiopia's northern border. They mark the location of the heart of ancient Ethiopia, when the Kingdom of Aksum was the most powerful state between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia. The massive ruins, dating from between the 1st and the 13th century A.D., include monolithic obelisks, giant stelae, royal tombs and the ruins of ancient castles. Long after its political decline in the 10th century, Ethiopian emperors continued to be crowned in Aksum.

Location on Map

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Introduction

Aksum, located in the Tigrai Region of Ethiopia, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds immense historical and cultural significance. This ancient city was once the capital of the Aksumite Empire, one of the most powerful civilizations in the ancient world. Today, it stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural marvels of the past.

History

Aksum rose to prominence around the 1st century AD and reached its peak during the 4th and 5th centuries AD. It was a major trading hub, connecting the Mediterranean world with Africa, Arabia, and India. The Aksumite Empire was known for its advanced civilization, impressive architecture, and strong military.

The city of Aksum was the center of political, economic, and cultural life in the empire. It was renowned for its monumental structures, including towering obelisks, royal tombs, and grand palaces. The obelisks, made of single pieces of granite, were carved with intricate designs and served as markers for royal burials.

Aksum was also a significant religious center, being one of the first Christian states in the world. It is believed that Christianity was introduced to Aksum in the 4th century AD, and the city became an important pilgrimage site for early Christians. The Church of St. Mary of Zion, located in Aksum, is believed to house the Ark of the Covenant, making it a place of great religious importance.

Current State

Today, Aksum is a captivating archaeological site that attracts visitors from around the world. The remnants of the ancient city provide a glimpse into the grandeur of the Aksumite Empire. The most iconic structures in Aksum are the towering obelisks, some of which still stand tall despite the passage of centuries.

One of the most famous obelisks is the Obelisk of Axum, which stands at over 24 meters high and weighs approximately 160 tons. It was looted by Italy during their occupation of Ethiopia in the 1930s but was returned to its rightful place in 2005. The obelisks, along with other archaeological sites in Aksum, were collectively recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980.

Apart from the obelisks, visitors to Aksum can explore the ruins of ancient palaces, tombs, and churches. The Church of St. Mary of Zion, with its historical and religious significance, remains an important pilgrimage site for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians.

Preservation efforts are ongoing to protect and restore the archaeological treasures of Aksum. The Ethiopian government, in collaboration with international organizations, is working to safeguard the site and promote sustainable tourism. The local community also plays a vital role in preserving the heritage, with initiatives to raise awareness and engage in responsible tourism practices.

Conclusion

Aksum, with its rich history and architectural wonders, stands as a testament to the greatness of the Aksumite Empire. This UNESCO World Heritage site in the Tigrai Region of Ethiopia offers a unique opportunity to explore the ancient past and witness the remnants of a once-thriving civilization. As efforts continue to preserve and protect this remarkable site, Aksum will continue to captivate and inspire visitors for generations to come.

Videos from the area

Walk inside Mausoleum in Northern Stelae Field, Axum Ethiopia

Published: March 06, 2013
Length: 11:54 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: João Leitão

Walk inside Mausoleum in Northern Stelae Field, Axum Ethiopia.

에티오피아 악슘 오벨리스크 OBELISK, AXUM

Published: October 15, 2014
Length: 00:45 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: 여행사천지항공

악슘 오벨리스크는 높이 24m, 무게 160t의 대형 석조물. 1700여 년전 만들어진 에티오피아의 대표적인 문화재이지만 1937년 에티오피아를 침공한 이탈리...

Decorados en iglesias. Axum

Published: January 15, 2015
Length: 00:00 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Felipe Cardenas

Is the Ark of the Covenant in Ethiopia?

Published: March 21, 2015
Length: 56:39 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Miguel Ortega Lafuente

In our visit to Axum in the Tigray Region we visit the Church of our Lady Mary of Zion. We just arrive to witness a big mass with crowds of Christians in white robes. We are told that inside...