" Follow in the footsteps of your ancestors, for the mind is trained through knowledge" Maulana Karenga

Axum: The gem of Africa

The grandeur and advanced culture of the Axumite Empire is evidenced in many ways, including their copper coinage, bronze art, ceramics, and the grandeur of their architecture, which they used to express their deep religious faith and their achievements.

The Axumite armies were highly advanced in military leadership, strategies and training, as evidenced by their ability to wage successful military campaigns throughout Africa in climates ranging from freezing cold to the desert.

The similarities and interactions among Kemet, Nubia and Axum are too striking to dismiss, as some historians have. Egyptians must have traveled through Africa to reach Nubia. The striking similarity in physical appearance, including skin colour, of Yemenites and Ethiopians today suggests that these cultures interacted long ago.

The ancient Axumites left many writings, and they expressed their feelings about such universal topics as their religious beliefs and their king.

Perhaps the most advanced achievement of any Axumite king was the compassion and wisdom of Ezana 1., who did not humiliate the Beja People when he defeated them., but allowed them to maintain their customs and culture, a relevant lesson in wisdom for today.

The respectful attitude of the ancient world toward Axum is evidenced in the novel Aethiopica by Heliodorus. All other nations bowed in tribute before the conquering Nubians except one - Axum.

Reflections:

Think about how our society today compares with that of Axum?

What lessons can we learn today from the Axumite king. Ezana !, about how we can have different cultures live together peacefully ?

Credit: Classical Africa - by Dr. Molefi Kete Asante