Publications
Integrated evaluation of groundwater irrigation suitability using hydrochemical indices and irrigation water quality index (IWQI) in Aksum, Tigray, Ethiopia
Groundwater in Aksum, Ethiopia, is generally suitable for irrigation despite some local variations. A comprehensive assessment using hydrochemical indices and the Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI) revealed that 94.74% of samples showed no restrictions for irrigation purposes, with only 5.26% facing low restrictions due to higher levels of total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), and permeability index (PI). Spatial analysis indicated a northeast-southwest decline in water quality, though overall, groundwater remains viable for sustainable agricultural use. This study integrates multiple hydrochemical parameters—including SAR, Na%, RSC, and KI—to provide a nuanced understanding of irrigation suitability, offering critical insights for water resource management and policymaking.
Assessment of groundwater quality for drinking purposes using water quality index in volcanic rock areas of Axum, Northern Ethiopia
Groundwater quality in the volcanic rock areas of Axum, Northern Ethiopia, is significantly compromised for drinking purposes, with 24% classified as excellent and only 44% as good according to the Water Quality Index (WQI). The study reveals that groundwater chemistry is primarily influenced by calcite, dolomite, gypsum, fluorite, and halite dissolution, along with ion exchange processes. Several critical parameters, including electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and trace metals, often exceed WHO permissible limits, indicating severe pollution threats. Hydrogeochemical evolution analysis identified dominant water facies such as Ca–Mg–Na–HCO3 and Mg–Ca–HCO3, with anthropogenic influences contributing to water chemistry degradation. The research underscores the urgent need for continuous monitoring and effective management strategies to safeguard drinking water quality in this region.
Cooperative behavior in pre-state societies: an agent based approach to the Axum civilization
Research challenges the traditional view that Aksum's early social structure was highly centralized, suggesting instead that cooperative behavior could emerge without coercive authority. Using agent-based modeling inspired by Aksumite data, the study demonstrates that while short-term cooperation is possible in pre-state societies, long-term stability likely requires centralized leadership. This finding sheds light on the evolutionary pathways to state formation and complex social organization, aligning with Charles Stanish's model of cooperative dynamics in early polities.
The Christian Topography and the Kingdom of Axum
A new analysis of the Greek inscription from Adulis, published in The Christian Topography, reveals that its author was likely a non-Axumite figure—possibly a south-west Arabian king. This conclusion challenges prior assumptions about the inscription's origins and suggests that Arabian conquests in northern Ethiopia may have triggered the rise of an Arabian dynasty, contributing to Axum's resurgence during its fourth-century power peak. The study leverages a recently re-edited Greek text to reassess geographical references linking Axum and adjacent regions, offering fresh insights into the kingdom's political evolution.
The Decline and Fall of Meroe
A rare inscription from Aksum, attributed to Ezana—the first Christian king of Ethiopia—sheds critical light on the decline and fall of the Meroitic Kingdom. This well-known but recently re-examined text by Enno Littmann provides invaluable geographical insights into post-Meroitic Sudan, offering a unique window into the political and cultural transformations of late antique Nubia. The study employs close scrutiny of historical inscriptions, combining epigraphic analysis with historical context to reconstruct the region's shifting dynamics during this pivotal period.
The Memory of a Fish: New Approach Towards Chronology and Primary Content of Ayla-Axum Amphorae
Ayla-Axum amphorae, long debated for their chronology and contents, now have a defined typo-chronological framework. This study establishes the first comprehensive timeline for these vessels, leveraging pottery evidence from Berenike and Khirbet eḏ-Ḏarīḥ, alongside zooarchaeological findings. It identifies the most probable original content of these amphorae and integrates their distribution patterns across the Red Sea region (Southern Transjordan to Southern Arabia). The research extends beyond traditional amphorae analysis to include other transport forms originating from Ayla/Aqaba kilns, providing a holistic view of trade and exchange in this historic area.
Creating Interconnected Outdoor Green Infrastructure in The Case of Aksum Historical Sites, Ethiopia
A fragmented and disconnected outdoor green infrastructure (GI) network in Aksum, Ethiopia, was identified through a combination of remote sensing and public perception surveys. Satellite imagery analysis using NDVI and NDBI revealed limited healthy vegetation and a predominance of built-up areas, with NDVI values indicating sparse grass and shrub cover while NDBI results showed low vegetative density. The study proposes an interconnected GI design to address these issues, aiming to enhance environmental sustainability, social cohesion, and economic benefits in Aksum's urban landscape.
Geotourism of Axum and Yeha Monuments, Northern Ethiopia
Aksum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Ethiopia, stands out as a critical hub for geotourism, blending geological wonders with rich historical and religious heritage. The study highlights that integrating geosites—such as the Axum Stele quarry, volcanic mountain chains, rock-hewn churches, and archaeological sites—alongside historical landmarks is pivotal for developing sustainable tourism in Tigray. This approach not only enhances visitor engagement but also preserves Ethiopia's unique environmental and cultural legacy. The research employed a combination of literature reviews, fieldwork, data collection, and the creation of geotourism maps to underscore the importance of geotourism knowledge in shaping the main tourism corridor of the region.
How hotels suffer from and deal with the economic effects of tourism seasonality: A case study of Aksum, Ethiopia
Tourism seasonality significantly impacts hotel revenue and occupancy rates, particularly for small hotels in developing destinations. A study of 14 hotels in Aksum, Ethiopia, found that off-months lead to substantial drops in revenue, yet staff-related costs remain manageable due to the size of these establishments. Hotels mitigate these effects by diversifying products to cater to both peak-season tourists and local markets, as well as increasing supply during high-demand periods. This research provides valuable insights into the economic challenges faced by small hotels in developing tourism destinations and offers practical strategies for addressing seasonality.
Negus Ezana: Revisiting the Christianisation of Aksum
A comprehensive re-examination of the Christianisation of Aksum during Negus Ezana’s reign reveals that his conversion and the subsequent ordination of Frumentius as Ethiopia’s first Abuna can be substantiated through archaeological, epigraphic, and numismatic evidence. This study challenges traditional narratives by integrating Aksumite Christianity into broader early Christian histories, paralleling the recognition of Vandal episodes in Christian scholarship. Utilizing a multi-method approach—primarily document analysis, cultural historiography, and religious archaeology—the research reconstructs the complex interplay between emerging Christian orthodoxy and Aksum’s Judaic heritage. The findings bridge gaps in biblical studies and archaeological records, offering a nuanced framework for understanding Ethiopia’s early Christian origins.
Religious statecraft: Narratives of persecution and diplomacy in the case of Byzantine, Aksum and Himyar
Byzantine diplomatic correspondence reveals that Aksum's religious policy on the Arabian Peninsula was intricately linked to the Constantinian religio-political matrix, positioning Byzantine Rome as a key arbiter of early Christianity. Analysis of letters from Constantine and Constantius decodes Aksum as an active participant in 4th-century CE Christian dynamics, characterized by narratives of orthodoxy and persecution. This study sheds light on the complex interplay between diplomacy and religious statecraft during this period, offering new insights into the political and theological landscape of late antiquity.
Assessment of Structural and Conservation Practices on Vernacular Houses of Axum, Ethiopia
Most vernacular houses in Aksum, Ethiopia, are deteriorating due to improper conservation practices driven by modernization and urbanization pressures. These traditional structures, which reflect the societal knowledge of early settlements, are often altered with cement plastering, chemical paints, and electrical installations that compromise their original fabric. While some houses retain their authentic form, others have been significantly transformed or neglected, posing risks to their preservation. The study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive documentation, conservation management plans, and community engagement to safeguard these historical buildings. Responsible parties, including government offices, universities, and experts, are called upon to collaborate in raising awareness and implementing sustainable conservation strategies.
Gudit, a Jewish Queen of Aksum? Some Considerations on the Sources and Modern Scholarship, and the Use of Legends
Aksum's mysterious queen Gudit, long debated in historical accounts, is now confirmed as an empress who led a campaign against Christianity and ended the Aksumite dynasty. Modern scholarship has re-examined her life, religion, and significance, integrating legends with historical events to offer new interpretations. This study synthesizes Ethiopian and non-Ethiopian sources, challenging traditional narratives while providing a nuanced understanding of Gudit's role in Aksum's history.
Households’ preferences for improved solid waste management options in Aksum city, North Ethiopia: An application of choice modelling
Households in Aksum, Ethiopia, show strong willingness to pay for improved solid waste management, with frequency of waste collection being the most valued attribute. A study using choice modeling analyzed preferences based on service attributes—such as collection frequency, disposal mechanism, and transportation mode—and monetary costs. The research found implicit prices of 4.6 Birr (frequency), 1.7 Birr (disposal), and 2.5 Birr (transport) for the extended model, indicating households prioritize regular waste collection over other improvements. Trade-off calculations between non-monetary attributes supported these findings. The study highlights that residents are willing to pay for better waste management, offering insights for policy development in UNESCO World Heritage Sites with similar challenges.
Axum Stele
The Axum Stele, a monumental artifact symbolizing Ethiopia's ancient civilization, became central to a complex international restitution process involving Italy, Ethiopia, UNESCO, and the African Union. Its removal during Mussolini’s conquest and subsequent return highlight tensions between colonialism, international law, and cultural heritage politics. This study examines how such objects navigate legal frameworks and domestic significance, revealing the interplay of expert rule, internationalism, and the political uses of repatriated artifacts.
Current Management Challenges at the World Heritage site of Aksum, Ethiopia
Aksum, Ethiopia's UNESCO World Heritage Site, faces significant management challenges that threaten its conservation. The study highlights critical issues such as the reinstallation of Stela 2 and the destabilization of Stela 3, alongside the construction of a Church museum within the core zone. These actions pose risks to the site's integrity, exacerbated by urban development projects and neglect from UNESCO and local governments. The research evaluates management practices since the late 1990s against UNESCO's legal frameworks and operational guidelines, revealing gaps that undermine effective preservation efforts.
Jewish Christianity in Late Antique Aksum and Ḥimyar? A Reassessment of the Evidence and a New Proposal
A new proposal challenges the notion of significant Jewish influence on Ethiopian Christianity, instead attributing observed linguistic and cultural elements to commercial and cultural interactions with Syro-Palestinian Judaism. The study reexamines Aksumite archaeological, epigraphic, literary, and linguistic evidence, finding no proof of organized Jewish communities in Aksum but confirming well-established Judean communities in Ḥimyar since the 2nd century CE. It suggests that the adoption of Jewish practices by Ḥimyarite elites, combined with political shifts following the defeat of the Jewish king Yūsuf ʾAsʾar Yathʾar by Aksumite King Kaleb in 525, led to a more conciliatory form of Christianity emphasizing Israelite heritage. This shift contributed to the long-term establishment of a Judaizing kind of Christianity in Ethiopia.
Medical education in difficult circumstances: analysis of the experience of clinical medical students following the new innovative medical curriculum in Aksum, rural Ethiopia
A unique clinical learning environment in rural Ethiopia, characterized by limited specialist supervision and high patient need, provides early practical experience for medical students that enhances skill acquisition. This study analyzed the experiences of 74 clinical medical students following the New Innovative Medical Curriculum (NIMC) at Aksum School of Medicine, using qualitative interviews, direct observations, and questionnaires. While the curriculum's structured approach often clashed with real-world clinical demands, students valued early responsibility and found skills sessions particularly beneficial. The research highlights the importance of specialist supervision in such challenging settings, offering insights into medical education in resource-constrained environments.
Origins of Modern Diplomacy: Aksum, Syria and Byzantium Between the West and the East
The kingdom of Aksum played a pivotal role in shaping early diplomacy as a mechanism for international relations, trade, and political influence. This study positions Aksumite diplomacy as a bridge between East and West, resonating social dimensions such as spirituality, culture, economics, and politics across ancient Rome, Byzantium, and beyond. Using historical-logical and systematic analysis, the research highlights Aksum's multi-vector policy, which emerged from unique historical conditions distinct from those of Europe and Asia. The findings underscore Aksum's significance in world history, demonstrating its extensive political and commercial influence during its heyday, with connections spanning Tropical Africa, the Mediterranean, Nile Valley, South Arabia, Persia, India, and Ceylon.
The Elephants of Aksum: In Search of the Bush Elephant in Late Antiquity
Contrary to the prevailing scholarly view, the Aksumite kingdom's use of elephants was not primarily military but centered on regal display and power symbolism. A re-evaluation of Arab and Byzantine sources reveals that the Aksumites favored the larger bush elephant over the smaller forest elephant, leveraging its significance in the late antique ivory trade to bolster their strategic position. This challenges traditional assumptions about the role of elephants in Aksumite society and underscores their cultural and economic importance beyond warfare.
Three‐dimensional modelling of a pre‐Aksumite settlement at the archaeological site of Seglamen, Aksum, northern Ethiopia using integrated geophysical techniques
Integrated geophysical techniques, including magnetic reconnaissance and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), successfully delineated subsurface features of archaeological interest at the pre-Aksumite settlement of Seglamen near Aksum, northern Ethiopia. The study identified localized anomalous zones associated with well-preserved stone-based walls, some located as shallow as 20 cm below the surface, which were later validated through test excavations. This approach not only provided a detailed 3D model of the site but also highlighted the effectiveness of these geophysical methods for guiding future excavations and conserving cultural heritage in areas vulnerable to agricultural activities. The findings contribute to reconstructing the cultural and environmental history of central Tigray and offer recommendations for similar archaeological projects in the region.
Lithic manufacture at Medogwe, southwest of Aksum, Tigray, Ethiopia
Archaeological research at Medogwe, Tigray, Ethiopia, has uncovered evidence of standardized, large-scale lithic production during the Early Aksumite period. Surface-collected and excavated stone tools reveal a consistent knapping technique shared across the Aksum region, suggesting widespread economic practices and technological uniformity. The findings, spanning from late Pre-Aksumite to Middle Aksumite periods, provide insights into the economic relationships and lithic industries of the time, offering a deeper understanding of Aksum's cultural and technological development.
Socio-Economic Impacts of Tourism in Axum Town, Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia
Tourism in Axum, Ethiopia, demonstrates significant socio-economic benefits despite challenges. The study finds that tourism generates 2,389 jobs and increases household income by 8.8% annually as tourist flow rises, while also fostering socio-cultural, environmental, and political improvements such as infrastructure development and women's empowerment. However, it also highlights negative impacts like seasonal unemployment, cultural degradation, and social issues. The sector's potential is hindered by poor infrastructure, inadequate services, and lack of coordination. Recommendations emphasize stakeholder collaboration to enhance tourism infrastructure, mitigate negative effects, and maximize socio-economic gains.
Aksum: Water and Urbanization in Northern Ethiopia
Aksum, located between modern northern Ethiopia and central Eritrea, exemplifies the intricate relationship between water resources and urbanization, a dynamic that has significantly shaped its history. This region, recognized for its early state societies in sub-Saharan Africa, saw the emergence of complex societies from the second millennium BC, culminating in the kingdom of Aksum (50 BC–AD 700/800). The study reveals how Aksum's strategic geographical and topographic position, coupled with abundant water and land resources, sustained its growth for a thousand years. It engaged in long-distance trade, developed literature and coinage, and played a pivotal role in the spread of Christianity into Africa. The research integrates environmental, archaeological, and historical sources to elucidate how early societies interacted with their diversified environment and devised strategies to manage water and land resources effectively. These findings highlight the resilience of local subsistence systems, which persisted even after the collapse of temporal power towards the late first millennium AD.
Foundations of an African civilisation: Aksum and the northern Horn 1000 BC – AD 1300
Archaeological, epigraphic, and historical evidence reveals the rise and fall of the Aksumite polity from 1000 BC to AD 1300, offering a comprehensive understanding of an ancient African civilization. The study meticulously analyzes inscriptions, material culture, and historical records to trace the development and decline of Aksum's political, economic, and cultural systems. Key insights include the evolution of Aksumite statecraft, its trade networks, and religious transformations, particularly the adoption of Christianity in the 4th century AD. This work challenges traditional narratives by emphasizing Aksum's role as a major power in the northern Horn of Africa during antiquity.
Le travail de la pierre à Aksum
Ancient Aksumite stonemasons demonstrated sophisticated techniques in selecting and shaping stone, favoring syénite for monumental structures due to its durability. They exploited natural fractures for precise megalth cutting and employed advanced methods like wooden sledges on slopes and rollers on flat terrain to transport heavy stones, suggesting the use of draft animals or mechanical aids like pulleys. Their toolkit included specialized iron tools, such as narrow-edged chisels (1–3 mm) struck with mallets, for fine detailing. The process involved multiple specialists working simultaneously on different sections, a practice supported by lapidary marks in tombs. This approach reveals stronger Roman-Egyptian influences than South Arabian traditions, showcasing Aksum's advanced stonework mastery.
The chronology of Aksum (Tigrai, Ethiopia): a view from Bieta Giyorgis
Archaeological research at Bieta Giyorgis, northwest of Aksum (Ethiopia), has established a detailed five-phase chronological sequence for the development of the ancient capital from 360 BC to AD 800/850. The study identified distinct phases—Proto-Aksumite, Early Aksumite, Classic Aksumite, Middle Aksumite, and Late Aksumite—based on radiocarbon dating and stratified archaeological contexts. This refined chronology challenges previous models by providing precise dating for key transitions in Aksum's history, offering new insights into its political, economic, and cultural evolution during the Axumite Kingdom's peak and decline.
Effect of intra-row spacing on yield and quality of some onion varieties (Allium cepa L.) at Aksum, Northern Ethiopia
Optimal intra-row spacing and variety selection significantly enhance onion yield and quality at Aksum, Northern Ethiopia. Research found that a 10 cm spacing maximized plant height, leaf biomass, and dry matter content, while the closest spacing (5 cm) produced the highest total bulb yield. Among four varieties tested, 'Melkam' emerged as the top performer in both yield and average bulb weight, whereas 'Adama Red' resulted in higher unmarketable yields. The study, conducted between 2010 and 2011 using a randomized complete block design, provides actionable recommendations for farmers in the region to improve onion production efficiency.
Intra row spacing effect on shelf life of onion varieties (Allium cepa L.) at Aksum, Northern Ethiopia
Research at Aksum, Ethiopia, reveals that the 'Nasik' Red onion variety demonstrates superior shelf life qualities compared to others, with lower post-harvest deterioration and marketable loss. Conversely, larger bulb sizes resulting from increased intra-row spacing (10 cm) show higher rotting percentages during storage. The study also found that an intra-row spacing of 7.5 cm yields optimal bulb weight while maintaining good storage quality. Additionally, 'Melkam' and 'Bombay' Red varieties were identified as superior in yield, whereas 'Nasik' Red excels in storage durability, with 'Adama' Red and 'Melkam' showing moderate performance. This study employed a randomized complete block design to evaluate the effects of intra-row spacing (5, 7.5, and 10 cm) on four onion varieties over an eight-month period from 2010 to 2011.
The Fauna from the UNO/BU Excavations at Bieta Giyorgis (Aksum) in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia: Campaigns 1995–2003; Pre-Aksumite, 700–400 BC to Late Aksumite, AD 800–1200
Excavations at Bieta Giyorgis, Aksum, Ethiopia, spanning from 700 BC to AD 1200, reveal a dominant presence of domestic mammals, particularly cattle (Bos taurus and Bos indicus), indicating intense exploitation. Age structure analysis and butchering marks suggest targeted use of young caprines (sheep and goats). Rare wild mammals, alongside marine fish remains and worked cowries from the Red Sea, hint at long-distance trade contacts. This study provides insights into the economic and social dynamics of Aksumite society through zooarchaeological analysis.
Aksum and the Northern Horn of Africa
Aksum, located in the northern Horn of Africa, represents a significant indigenous cultural development with adaptations to external influences. Recent archaeological and epigraphic studies reveal that while elite societies around the 8th century BC adopted foreign fashions—such as stone inscriptions and dressed-stone architecture—influenced by southern Arabia, non-elite populations maintained long-standing local traditions in domestic architecture and pottery. Analysis of Semitic inscriptions suggests a predominantly indigenous population with localized linguistic differences, challenging earlier assumptions about foreign dominance. This study highlights the region's continuity and cultural integration, noting that elite distinctiveness diminished by the 6th century BC, leading to greater uniformity. However, the period between the 8th and 6th centuries BC remains poorly understood due to limited archaeological data.
Greek and Geʿez in the propaganda of King ʿEzana of Axum: religion and diplomacy in late antiquity
King ʿEzana of Axum, who ruled in the 4th century AD, employed both Greek and Geʿez in his inscriptions, reflecting strategic religious and diplomatic choices. The study reveals that Greek was likely used to appeal to a broader audience, including Hellenized elites or foreign allies, while Geʿez invocations emphasized indigenous religious practices, possibly to assert cultural identity. This dual-lingual approach suggests a nuanced balance between local traditions and external influences during his reign.
The Giant Stelae of Aksum in the Light of the 1999 Excavations
1999 excavations at Aksum, Ethiopia, revealed the original foundation of Stela 2—later removed to Rome in 1937—enabling its precise re-erection in 2008. The study also challenged long-held assumptions about the design, construction, and destruction of Aksum’s three giant stelae, offering new insights into their historical significance.
Archaeological excavations at the church of Arbaetu Ensesa Aksum, Ethiopia, 2006-2007
Archaeological excavations at the church of Arbaetu Ensesa (Gangua Edaga) in Aksum, Ethiopia, revealed two distinct phases of construction. The earlier phase dates to between the 6th and 7th centuries AD, characterized as a late Aksumite three-aisle basilica with an apsidal sanctuary, while the second phase appears to originate from the 19th century AD. A significant discovery was a thick ash layer containing burned bricks, indicating that the original Aksumite church was destroyed by fire. Excavations also uncovered Aksumite coins, crosses, glass artifacts, pottery, and evidence of an Aksumite glass industry, all dating to the same period as the basilica. This study sheds light on the architectural evolution and historical timeline of Aksum's religious structures.
Early metal smelting in Aksum, Ethiopia: copper or iron?
Archaeometallurgical analysis of 3rd/4th century A.D. remains from Aksum, Ethiopia, reveals evidence of highly efficient iron smelting using the bloomery process and slag tapping furnaces, rather than copper smelting. Chemical and mineralogical examinations confirmed that lateritic iron ore with at least 80 wt% FeO was processed, producing one unit of iron metal per unit of slag with minimal furnace wall erosion. The study also identified distinctive spinel zoning patterns, indicating strongly reducing conditions during smelting. This finding challenges previous assumptions about early metallurgical practices in the region and provides new insights into the technological sophistication of Aksum's ancient metallurgy.
Tectonic evolution of the Central Steep Zone, Axum area, northern Ethiopia: inferences from magnetic and geochemical data
Northern Ethiopia's Central Steep Zone (CSZ) reveals critical insights into the tectonic evolution of the Arabian–Nubian Shield during Gondwana assembly. This 10 km-wide, high-strain belt exhibits NE-trending foliations and vertical lineations, indicative of transpressive kinematics and a positive flower structure. Magnetic fabric analysis and geochemical data highlight mafic rock assemblages with ocean-floor characteristics, including amphibolite and serpentinite, subjected to metamorphic conditions (680 °C, 3.4 kbar). A post-deformation monzonite intrusion suggests partial melting of these mafic rocks. The CSZ extends over 200 km into Eritrea's Nafka terrane, forming a major structure during the closure of the Mozambique Ocean. This study deciphers the complex strain and deformation patterns, offering new perspectives on the collision tectonics shaping this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Archaeological Rescue Excavations at Aksum, 2005–2007
Archaeological Rescue Excavations at Aksum, 2005–2007, uncovered significant insights into the ancient city's urban planning and historical layers. The study revealed sophisticated drainage systems and evidence of architectural phases dating back to the Kingdom of Aksum (1st–8th centuries CE). Researchers employed a combination of stratigraphic excavation, artifact analysis, and spatial mapping to document and preserve the site before development pressures threatened its integrity. This prompt publication provides critical data on Aksum's urban evolution, contributing to our understanding of one of Africa's most important historical landscapes.
Narrative of the Portuguese Embassy to Abyssinia During the Years 1520–1527
This volume offers the first known Western description of the ancient city of Aksum, providing invaluable insights into its historical and cultural significance during the 16th century. Francisco Alvarez's narrative, translated from a Portuguese missionary account, details his six-year stay in Ethiopia as part of the Portuguese embassy to the Emperor of Ethiopia (1520–1527). The text not only describes Orthodox Christian monasteries and churches but also compares Orthodox and Catholic rites, offering a rare glimpse into early interactions between European and African Christian traditions. Alvarez's observations, first published in English in 1881, remain a foundational source for understanding the region's heritage, particularly its religious and architectural landscape.
The choice of Aksum as a metropolis
Aksum's strategic location, nestled away from the Red Sea within the Tigray Plateau and near the western escarpment, played a pivotal role in its rise as a metropolis during the early 1st century CE. This positioning allowed the Aksumite state to harness abundant agricultural, geological, floral, and faunal resources from the surrounding lowlands and highlands. The study suggests that local factors, including competition among leaders for fertile lands, were primary drivers behind Aksum's selection as the capital, leading to the formation of a centralized administration. Hagos (2010) supports this with historical analysis, highlighting how these dynamics shaped the political landscape of the Aksumite civilization.
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