Ethiopia's Northern Ethiopia
Axum
A humble town, modest in regards to its glorious past, Axum is the site of Ethiopia’s most ancient city. Founded an estimated 500 years following the decline of Yeha, a great deal more is known about this historic highland central than its Yeha precursor. Protected by the northern Tigray Mountains, Axum has survived thousands of years and remains in exquisite condition, offering profound influence on the imaginations and spiritual conceptions of numerous Ethiopians.
Small and conservative, the modern Axum nestled in the dry hills of Northern Ethiopia hardly reflects the splendor and pageantry of its respectable past. However, with extensive traces of noble buildings and their massive stone foundations exposed from the soil, found abreast the ruins of temples, fortresses and rich palaces, visitors can begin to imagine the impressive city that once stood.
Explore the 16th century Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion, the ornate structure built on the foundation of a much older 4th century construction. Now the crown repository for the crowns of several former emperors, the Cathedral is said to house the original Ark of the Covenant. Whether legend coincides with truth, Axum and its Cathedral remains an inspiring experience, especially when heavy rains reveal long buried hordes of gold, silver and bronze coins as they often do.
