Leading the First Christian State
Axum, in its pre-Christianity stage, had a religion derived from Southern Arabia. It was polytheistic, with important gods being Almouqah (moon god) and Mahrem (god of war). Axumites believed their gods controlled the sun, moon, and all other elements of nature. Impressive temples were built to please the gods, and the king, who was also the high priest, offered sacrifices to these gods.
Christian scholars from Alexandria brought Christianity through Axum. In the 4th century, King Ezana of Axum (320-350 AD) converted to Christianity, also declaring Axum to be a Christian state towards the end of his reign. This was the first time to happen in the world.
It is thought that Ezana was influenced by his desire to firm up trading relations with the Greek speaking world of the East Mediterranean. This Greek connection is shown by the Greek inscriptions found alongside those in Ge’ez on Axumite monuments.
People now worshipped one god, and glorified their new god with art, literature, and a series of beautiful churches which replaced older temples. Early churches were carved out of a single stone, with an example being Redeemer of the World.
King Lalibela, the founder of a new dynasty in the early 12th century, commenced an enormous church building project. He found himself using up his wealth, and according to legend, abdicated and became a contemplative. Building churches had conferred sainthood upon him, as the story goes.
Christianity formed the foundation of Ethiopian national identity, and helped kings to stay in power. The Amharic period of Axumite kings considered themselves to be true Christians and identified closely with their religion. Ethiopian kings headed the church as ultimate ruler as well as highest priest, believed to hold divine powers. This is indicated by the inscription of King Ezana: “King of kings, the son of the invincible god Ares”.
About two centuries later, about the time Nubia was converting to Christianity, Monophysite (Christian) monks from Syria also reached Axum, whose tradition was incorporated to form a distinctive Axumite Christian Church.
This conversion influenced Ethiopian history greatly well into the 20th century.
Christian scholars from Alexandria brought Christianity through Axum. In the 4th century, King Ezana of Axum (320-350 AD) converted to Christianity, also declaring Axum to be a Christian state towards the end of his reign. This was the first time to happen in the world.
It is thought that Ezana was influenced by his desire to firm up trading relations with the Greek speaking world of the East Mediterranean. This Greek connection is shown by the Greek inscriptions found alongside those in Ge’ez on Axumite monuments.
People now worshipped one god, and glorified their new god with art, literature, and a series of beautiful churches which replaced older temples. Early churches were carved out of a single stone, with an example being Redeemer of the World.
King Lalibela, the founder of a new dynasty in the early 12th century, commenced an enormous church building project. He found himself using up his wealth, and according to legend, abdicated and became a contemplative. Building churches had conferred sainthood upon him, as the story goes.
Christianity formed the foundation of Ethiopian national identity, and helped kings to stay in power. The Amharic period of Axumite kings considered themselves to be true Christians and identified closely with their religion. Ethiopian kings headed the church as ultimate ruler as well as highest priest, believed to hold divine powers. This is indicated by the inscription of King Ezana: “King of kings, the son of the invincible god Ares”.
About two centuries later, about the time Nubia was converting to Christianity, Monophysite (Christian) monks from Syria also reached Axum, whose tradition was incorporated to form a distinctive Axumite Christian Church.
This conversion influenced Ethiopian history greatly well into the 20th century.