Axum

Sister cities

• Denver

History

Little information is available regarding the early centuries of Aksum's presumed evolution from a humble regional hub to a dominant power. Archeological findings at Gobadra (Gobo Dara) and the Anqar Baahti rock-shelters suggest Stone Age remnants in close proximity. R. Fattovich's excavations at amba 'Beta Giyorgis above Aksum validate the pre-Aksumite roots of a settlement in Aksum dating back to approximately 7th to 4th centuries B.C. Excavations in the Stele Park at the heart of Aksum substantiate ongoing activity in that area since the beginning of the common era. By the 1st century AD, Aksum was described as a "metropolis" in the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea. Several archaeological expeditions have conducted excavations in various parts of Aksum. The early utilization of stelae, or obelisks as grave markers, is documented, evolving over time to encompass some of the world's largest monuments. Initially, the granite stelae in the primary cemetery, housing the Aksumite royal tombs, and in other cemeteries around the town were plain and rough. Subsequently, they became plain but carefully dressed in granite, eventually carved to emulate multi-storey towers in a distinctive architectural style. The Aksumite architecture is characterized by massive dressed granite blocks, smaller uncut stones for walling, mud mortar to fix them, bricks for vaulting and arches, and an external wooden framework resembling "monkey-heads" or square corner extrusions. The walls tend to incline inwards as they ascend, often featuring several recessed bays for added strength. A comparable architectural style is evident in substantial "palace" structures not only in Axum but also in other cities like Adulis and Matara. The presence of a large reservoir, now known as May Sum, below the hill…

Most-observed species

• Mocking Cliff-Chat

  Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris (Lafresnaye, 1836) · Aves
  5
• Greater Blue-eared Starling

  Lamprotornis chalybaeus Hemprich & Ehrenberg, 1828 · Aves
  3
• Red-cheeked Cordonbleu

  Uraeginthus bengalus (Linnaeus, 1766) · Aves
  3
• Swainson's Sparrow

  Passer swainsonii (Rüppell, 1840) · Aves
  3
• Speckled Pigeon

  Columba guinea Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  3
• Black-necked Tree Agama

  Acanthocercus cyanogaster (Rüppell, 1835) · Squamata
  2
• Black Kite

  Milvus migrans (Boddaert, 1783) · Aves
  2
• vervet monkey

  Chlorocebus aethiops (Linnaeus, 1758) · Mammalia
  1

Most recent

• M 4.1 — 2025-03-02
  33 km S of Ādīgrat, Ethiopia