Introducing Aksum
Sprawling, dusty, and rural – Aksum is modest almost to a fault. Initially, it’s hard to imagine that it was ever the site of a great civilisation. Yet Aksum is one of Ethiopia’s stars. Littered with massive teetering stelae, ruined palaces, underground tombs (most undiscovered) and inscriptions rivalling the Rosetta Stone itself, the town once formed part of the Aksumite kingdom described as ‘the last of the great civilisations of Antiquity to be revealed to modern knowledge’. It’s undoubtedly one of sub-Saharan Africa’s most important and spectacular ancient sites, and Unesco lists Aksum as a World Heritage site.
Advertisement
Aksum has a vibrancy, life and continuing national importance very rarely found at ancient sites. Pilgrims still journey to Aksum, and most Ethiopians believe passionately that the Ark of the Covenant resides here.
To do Aksum justice, schedule a bare minimum of two days, or one full day with a vehicle.
Last updated: Mar 2, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
-
RE: Internet availability in Ethiopia
by port_moresby 07 May 2012
Internet in Addis is good and available everywhere, was the only place in Ethiopia with wireless that I found. Internet in other cities…
-
Forming a group for Danakil and Ertale volcano in late january 2012
by Temoris 10 January 2012
I was trying to contact people who have already posted here and were gathering travellers to form a group, but none of them replied, only…
-
RE: public transport Lalibela-Gondar and Mekele-Gondar
by ethioandaway 10 December 2011
there are no direct buses between Lalibela and Gondar. You can try and go to Gashena and hope that there is a minibus going to Gondar.…
Hotels & Hostels in Aksum
-
Book now
Ras Alula Hotel
Aksum -
Book now
Kaleb Hotel
Aksum -
Book now
Ark Hotel
Aksum
Advertisement








