From Gondar we travelled to Aksum, an ancient northern capital that was along trade routes to the Red Sea, Arabia, and the Nile Valley. The city, with a current population of about 100,000, is part of the Tigray region. 

Main Stelae Park was originally created as a cemetery for 3rd and 4th century Axumite rulers. The three large stelae resemble tall buildings with windows and doors.

Built in the 1960s, the New Church of St. Mary of Zion, occupies a prominent spot in the city’s historical center. The site is said to be the starting place of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity and where emperors were crowned centuries ago. 

On the 21st of every month, the Axumite Orthodox Christians celebrate St. Mary Day with a special mass and procession. Both men and women participate, but in separate areas of the courtyard and church. 

The New Chapel of the Ark of the Covenant is reported to house the actual Biblical Ark of the Covenant. According to some historians, it was brought to this country by the son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, who was likely from Ethiopia. Only one person, the guardian priest, is allowed in the chapel and he can never leave. 

Roadside shopping

According to Ethiopian legend, the Queen of Sheba was from the Axum area and we visited her former home. The rather small Queen of Sheba Palace stands just a short distance from city center. 

A stelae field for common persons is just across the road from the Queen of Sheba Palace.