aksum
states: [ethiopia]
category: cultural
year: 1980
location: Tigrai Region
region: Africa
latitude/longitude: 14.1301900000, 38.7186100000
unesco id: 15
world heritage site: 15
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Aksum, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Ethiopia, is an ancient city renowned for its historical and cultural significance. It was once the capital of the Aksumite Empire, a major trading power between the 1st and 7th centuries AD, connecting Africa with the Roman Empire and India. The site features impressive monolithic obelisks, royal tombs, and the ruins of palaces and churches, including the Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed by some to house the Ark of the Covenant. Aksum remains a testament to Ethiopia’s rich past and its contributions to early Christianity and global trade.