Chapter 4: Ancient Aksum [Axum]: Civilization, Christianity, and Impact

Another important early civilization in Africa was the Ancient Aksumite civilization, or simply, Ancient Aksum, sometimes spelt as “Axum.” How and when did the civilization emerge? How was it organized? What were the major aspects of its social, economic, and political organization? Even more importantly, is the history of Christianity in Ancient Aksum, specifically, and Africa, as a whole. How did Christianity spread and develop into Aksum? What is the legacy of Aksum as a Christian nation? Finally, what are the connections between Aksum and modern Ethiopia? Students should examine these questions in this module.

The materials on this module include:

i) Readings:

• Stuart C. Munro-Hay, “A Tyranny of Sources: The History of Aksum from its Coinage,” Northeast African Studies, vol. 3, no. 3 (1981-82), pp. 1-16, A TYRANNY OF SOURCES: THE HISTORY OF AKSUM FROM ITS COINAGE (csuohio.edu)
• David W. Phillipson, “Aksum in Africa,” Journal of Ethiopian Studies, vol. 23 (November 1990), pp. 55-65, Aksum in Africa (csuohio.edu)
• Ayele Bekerie, “Some Historical Reflections on the Origin of the Word Ethiopia,” International Journal of Ethiopian Studies, vol. 1, no. 2 (Winter/Spring 2004), pp. 110-121,
• Ethiopica: Some Historical Reflections on the Origin of the Word <italic>Ethiopia</italic> (csuohio.edu)
• Hussein Ahmed, “Aksum In Muslim Historical Traditions,” Journal of Ethiopian Studies, December 1996, Vol. 29, No. 2 (December 1996), pp. 47-66, Aksum In Muslim Historical Traditions (csuohio.edu)
• Eivind Heldaas Seland’ article, “Early Christianity in East Africa and Red Sea/Indian Ocean Commerce,” African Archaeological Review, December 2014, Volume 31, Issue 4, pp 637–647https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10437-014-9172-5

ii) Videos:

•  Faces of Africa: Keepers of the Ark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gDEXmyoC_Q
• UNESCO Aksum Heritage Site: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3G5ZklLkm0
• Zeinab Badawi, The Rise Of Aksum – BBC History Of Africa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4OSEpexs_Q