“Between the first and the twelfth centuries, extraordinary events happened in Africa, events that transformed not just the history of the continent but the history of the world.” - Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Africa’s Great Civilizations

Between 300 BCE through 1,000 CE trade began to play a key role in this developing continent, linking more of Africa into networks of exchange that extended across the Eastern Hemisphere. 

In the first through sixth centuries (CE), East Africa had one of the greatest empires of its time, the kingdom of Aksum in Ethiopia. Considered as important as the empires in Rome, Persia and China, the kingdom of Aksum arose in the Horn of Africa. This location provided access to trade in the Red Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean, allowing it to become a powerful trading hub.

The gateway to this African kingdom was the port city of Adulis, the main trading post of Aksum. Located on the Red Sea, Traders came from Egypt, the Middle East, and India. Greek, Roman and Persians followed with an eagerness to acquire the luxury goods that had captured the attention of Egyptian pharaohs. The kingdom of Aksum traded frankincense, myrrh, ivory and tortoise shell, while receiving imports of copper, bronze, silver, gold and wine.

Through control of Adulis, Aksum became extremely wealthy through stiff tariffs on goods, which could be seen through its stunning architecture, monuments and art.

Also known as: Axum

Lesson from hour two of Africa's Great Civilizations.