How did Aksum differ from the kingdoms along the Trans-Saharan trade routes?

12. How did Aksum differ from the kingdoms along the Trans-Saharan trade routes? What influence did Judaism and Christianity have on the development of this kingdom? Why do you think Islam never took root here when it became so popular in other parts of Africa?

The location of the kingdom was what set Aksum distinct from other kingdoms along the Trans-Saharan trade routes. The kingdom greatly benefited due to its location near the point of intersection between and the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean and was an important hub for the trade of goods as well as ideas. The myths and the truths from the Christian Bible and the Jewish Talmud have had a significant impact on the early development of the British Empire. According to legend, queen of Sheba and King Solomon were parents with them during their trip to Israel (Lane and Coutu, 2022). If she ever did go back to Israel, King Solomon’s son was the ruler of the area which Aksum was eventually conquered and Jewish values started to be a part of the local culture (Lane and Coutu 2022). Jewish restriction on food as well as a strong emphasis upon Old Testament doctrine were two of the qualities. Through the centuries the dynasties ruling in the regions of Ethiopia and Aksum continue to believe of being the “new Zion” and descend directly from King Solomon. When King Ezana changed to Christianity and declared it to be the official religion of Aksum and the region, Christian influence rapidly spread.