afr 9/26: Aksum/Axum (Ethiopia)

What does Aksum/Axum mean?

Ethiopia

What is Aksum/Axum (Ethiopia)?

An ancient east African civilization which began around 500 B.C.E.

What ancient written script did Ethiopia develop?

Ge’ez

What linguistic elements form their common (spoken) language of Amharic?

Semitic and Cushitic

What is Aksum’s common spoken language?

Amharic

What are some of the major valuable sources of exports in ancient Aksum?

ivory, glass, crystal, frankincense, myrrh

What country conquered southern Arabia?

Aksum (Ethiopia)

What is the Obelisk?

Tall monument associated with ancient Egypt.

What is the myth behind the Obelisk?

Osiris was killed by his evil brother Seth. Isis, because of her divine power, breathes the breath of life back into Osiris. She puts him back together, except for his phallic member. So she has someone construct it (the Obelisk).

What is the Ezana Stone?

An important primary source for Aksum’s History

How many languages did the Ezana Stone contain

3 - Ge’ez, Sabean, and Greek

Why was the Ezana Stone important?

While Ethiopains already read Ge’ez, the Ezana Stone allowed for western scholars to break the other languages down

Aksum has historical and biblical links to whom?

King Solomon and the Sabean Queen Makeda (aka “Queen of Sheba”)

Who is King Solomon?

One of the early kings of Israel, who had a reputation for being one of the wisest people in the world

Who is Queen Makeda, aka, Queen Sheba?

Queen from East Africa/Western Asia who has an affair with King Solomon and gives birth to her son who is the descendant of Solomon.

When does Aksum become a Christian Kingdom?

Under King Ezana, who rules from 320-350 A.D./C.E.

Who is Saint Moritz?

The patron saint of Germany who refuses to kill Christians

What is a Theban Legion?

A military division

What is Hagiography?

biography of the saints

What happens to Saint Moritz?

He is killed, along with every 10th man in his unit.

Why is Saint Moritz a significant figure?

European Christians worshipped an African man who they believed was their bridge to God.