Aksum: An African Civilization of Late Antiquity

by Stuart Christopher Munro-Hay

Genres: Africa, History, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Nonfiction

294 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1989

Reviews

[Monty Milne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aksum was, in effect, the original Ethiopia, and though the city dwindled in importance over the centuries - the capital being re-located elsewhere, probably in consequence of six hundred years of deforestation and soil erosion - it retained its importance as a cultic centre for the Ethiopian monarchy into modern times. There is a wealth of fascinating detail here: the acquisition of Christianity, the fabulous gold coinage, the projection of military and political power across the Red Sea into southern Arabia , and the extraordinary cultural and architectural achievements, unique in Sub Saharan Africa. A fascinating and important story, unjustly neglected, and told here with stylistic elegance and an abundance of excellent illustrations.

[C. B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely detailed examination of the ancient kingdom of Axum, and of the city itself. A hugely useful tome for anyone interested in the study of this fascinating polity.

[Axumite Tegaru · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book on the Axum kingdom right now. Sometime in the future after Tigray takes back all of its lands prior to November 2020 and becomes an independent country then the entirety of Tigray will be excavated and studied by professionals. More than 90% of Tigray hasn't been excavated and as the book has mentioned many times, these future excavations will uncover so much more about the Axum Kingdom and the kingdoms before it like DM'T whose capital was in Yeha also in Tigray and close to the Axumite capital Axum. This book will serve as an important foundation for the future study of the Axum kingdom and all other important pieces of world history contributed by Tigray and the direct ancestors of Tigrayans.

[Brooklynn Sharpe]

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