AKSUM

HAWASSA UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECUTRE

ETHIOPIAN HISTORY OF
ARCHITECTURE
ETHIOPIA A SHORT HISTORY
Axum, also known as Aksum, is an ancient city located in pres-
ent-day Ethiopia. It was the center of the powerful Axumite
Empire, which flourished from the 1st century CE to the 7th cen-
tury CE. Axum emerged as an influential trading hub in the Horn
of Africa, strategically located along trade routes connecting the
Mediterranean world with the Arabian Peninsula and the Indian
Ocean. Axum reached its pinnacle under the rule of King Ezana,
who expanded the empire's territory, erected impressive obe-
lisks, and established diplomatic relations with other regional
powers, including the Byzantine Empire. The city's architectural
marvels, such as the stelae (tall, carved stone pillars), served as
symbols of its wealth and influence. However, Axum's decline
began in the 7th century CE due to a combination of factors, in-
cluding the rise of Islam, economic shifts in trade routes, and
the decline of centralized power. The city gradually lost its
prominence, and the empire fragmented into smaller re-
gional kingdoms. Today, Axum is recognized as a UNESCO
World Heritage site and remains an important pilgrimage
site for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. The ruins of an-
cient palaces, obelisks, and other archaeological sites in
and around Axum serve as a testament to the city's his-
torical significance and cultural heritage.

The Axum Stele, located in the city

of Axum in Ethiopia, is a large
stone monument that dates back
to the 4th century AD. It stands
at over 80 feet tall and is deco-
rated with intricate carvings
and inscriptions. The stele is
believed to have been erect-
ed as a funerary monument
for a powerful ruler of the
ancient Kingdom of Axum.
It is considered to be one
of the most important
historical and archaeo-
logical sites in Ethiopia,
GREAT STELE, showcasing the rich
cultural heritage of
the region

The purpose of the

Axum Stele is be-
lieved to be a funer-
ary monument for a
powerful ruler of the
Kingdom of Axum. It
is also thought to
have served as a
symbol of the king-
dom's power and
wealth. The inscrip-
tions on the stele
provide valuable in-
formation about the
history and culture of
AXUM the ancient kingdom..

INTERIORS OF AXUM Over the course of time, many of these stelae fell
over due to several reasons: s
• structural collapse (as, probably, in the case of
the Great Stele, measuring 33 m), possibly imme-
diately after their erection; earthquakes (Axum is
in a seismic zone);
• or the military incursions of the Imam Ahmad
Gragn during the Ethiopian-Adal War from 1529 to
1543.

INTERIOR OF THE TOMB ENTRANCE TO THE TOMB OF THE

FALSE DOOR

interiorOF
INTERIOR ofTHE
the TOMB
tomb ENTRANCETO
ENTRANCE TOTHE
THE TOMB
TOMB OF
FALSE DOOR
FALSE DOOR
OF THE
THE FALLEN RUINS