The Aksumite Empire or Axumite Empire (sometimes called the Kingdom of Aksum or Axum), was an important trading nation in northeastern Africa, growing from the proto-Aksumite period c. fourth century B.C.E. to achieve prominence by the first century C.E.
A model of a palace/fortress structure at Axum, capital of the African kingdom of Axum (1st-8th century CE) on the coast of the Red Sea (modern Ethiopia & Eritrea). (Archaeological Museum of Axum, Ethiopia)
Axum traded with India and Rome (later Byzantium), exporting ivory, tortoise shell, gold, and emeralds, and importing silk and spices.
