The Axumite Empire (sometimes called the Kingdom of Axum), was an important trading nation in northeastern Africa, growing from the proto-Axumite period ca. 4th century BC to achieve prominence by the 1st century AD.
It was a major player in the commerce between the Roman Empire and Ancient India and the Axumite rulers facilitated trade by minting their own currency.
The state established its hegemony over the declining Kingdom of Kush and regularly entered the politics of the kingdoms on the Arabian Peninsula, and would eventually extend its rule over the region with the conquest of the Himyarite Kingdom.
Under Ezana Axum became the first major empire to convert to Christianity and was named by Mani as one of the four great powers of his time along with Persia, Rome, and China Its ancient capital is found in northern Ethiopia named as Axum. The Kingdom used the name “Ethiopia” as early as the 4th century. It is also the alleged resting place of the Ark of the Covenant and the purported home of the Queen of Sheba.
In this regard, Axum is the most ancient city of Ethiopia and the site of many remarkable monolithic stone stele or obelisks which represent the ancient civilization and footprints. This ancient city also houses different ruins of ancient palaces and tombs including Queen of Sheba’s.
The prominent areas include. a visit at stelae square, Kaleb tombs, the 4th century Christian inscription of King Ezana, Queen of Sheba’s ruined palace, Archeological museum and Tsion Mariam Church; where the original arc of the covenant is housed.