The Kingdom and later Empire of Aksum (also spelled Axum) was one of late antiquity's most influential, wealthiest and powerful states.  The Aksumites built incredible monuments, minted their own gold coins, traded with lands as far away as India and China, and were influential in spreading Christianity throughout eastern Africa.  They are also arguably the people from whom the inhabitants of modern Ethiopia and Eritrea draw their cultural and religious identity from.  Check out the video to see what the Empire of Aksum was and why it's so important to the history of Africa and the world. Sources and Suggested Reading Follow History with Cy:Youtube ChannelInstagram  Facebook  Twitter  Website Support the show