Written by Tigist Sisay
Published Feb 25, 2026
Axum was once the heart of a powerful empire that rivaled Rome and Persia. Today, its legacy is most visible in the towering granite obelisks, or stelae, that mark the tombs of its ancient kings. The largest, though fallen, once stood over 33 meters tall, a single block of stone carved with incredible precision.
Beyond the stelae field, Axum holds the Church of St. Mary of Zion, which is believed by many to house the Ark of the Covenant. It is a city of layers, where archaeological ruins and living legends walk hand in hand.
Spread the story