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The Aksumite Navy: How Ethiopia Ruled the Red Sea
Season 1
Episode 12
Published 1 month, 4 weeks ago
Description
This episode dives into the maritime empire of Aksum, exploring how this African kingdom became a dominant naval power in the Red Sea from the 1st to 7th centuries CE. We discuss Aksum's port of Adulis, its trade networks linking the Roman Empire, India, and Sri Lanka, and the mysterious monument known as the Monumentum Adulitanum. We also cover the clash with Himyar and the Jewish king Dhu Nuwas, which led to the Aksumite invasion of Yemen under Kaleb Ella Asbeha. Finally, we touch on the rise of Islam and how it shifted trade routes, contributing to Aksum's decline. Specific figures include Zoscales, Kaleb, and Dhu Nuwas, along with goods like ivory, frankincense, and gold.