Axum Ancient Kingdom
Discover the legendary kingdom of Axum with its towering obelisks and the Church of St. Mary of Zion.
Axum was the capital of the ancient Aksumite Empire, one of the great civilizations of the ancient world alongside Rome, Persia, and China. This powerful trading empire controlled trade routes between Africa and Arabia for nearly 1,000 years.
The towering granite obelisks, some over 20 meters tall, are engineering marvels that have stood for over 1,700 years. These monuments marked the tombs of Aksumite royalty and represent some of the finest examples of ancient African architecture.
According to Ethiopian tradition, Axum is home to the original Ark of the Covenant, brought here by Menelik I, son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. The Church of St. Mary of Zion remains one of Ethiopia’s most sacred religious sites and the coronation site of Ethiopian emperors.
Tour Highlights
- Marvel at the ancient obelisks and stelae fields
- Visit the Church of St. Mary of Zion (Ark of the Covenant)
- Explore the tombs of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskel
- See the Queen of Sheba's ruins and palace
- Visit Axum Archaeological Museum
- Learn about ancient Aksumite civilization
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Northern Stelae Field & Archaeological Sites
Explore the Northern Stelae Field with the famous 24-meter-tall obelisk and other ancient monuments. Visit the tombs of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskel, carved from solid granite. Afternoon at the Axum Archaeological Museum to understand the rich history of the Aksumite Empire.
Day 2: Church of St. Mary of Zion & Queen of Sheba
Visit the Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed to house the original Ark of the Covenant. Explore the old and new churches and learn about their religious significance. Visit the ruins attributed to the Queen of Sheba's palace and other archaeological sites around Axum.
What's Not Included
- Domestic flights
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic drinks
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