Axum






			Axum the cradle of civilization The founding of the Empire of Axum in the 5th century BC is often taken as the starting point. The Kingdom maintained traditiona relations both with the Greec-Roman world and India and China during its most prosperous times. During the Axumite times the old Ge-ez became the official language and it is still used in the Ethiopian church. The origin of this language South-Arabic, spoken by groups of people, who came from Yemen long before Axumite times. Axum had a rich architecture as aproven by the big obelisks, still to be seen, and still an inspiration for modern builders. Axum continued to be the crowning place for Royals up until Ras Tafari, Emperor Haile Selassie. The church of St Mary of Zion is the place where the Ark of the Covenant is kept. Axum continued to be the crowning place for the Royals up until Ras Tafari, Emperor Haile Selassie. The church St Mary of Zion is the place where the Ark of the Covenant