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.
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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
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Oct. 2011, hotel recommendations/reservations
by elf_brewery 21 July 2011
I know this is a common, repetitive topic, but I have the 2009 LP and I don't know current information as to hotel quality, rates and…
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RE: very, very rough 12/21-day Ethiopia/Somaliland itineraries
by udo1 18 July 2011
Just some short remarks: 1) IMO you don't need that much time for Addis, 2 days could be sufficient 2) I'd also recommend Bahir Dar (monas…
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RE: Looking for others to hike the Simieans in June
by viaggero 01 May 2011
I was just reading the LP and it says that there are some islands worth seeing around Bahir Dar. Well, if I arrive on Saturday night,…
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