The Kingdom of Axum (circa 4th century BCE – 10th century CE) was a powerful ancient civilization located in present-day Ethiopia and Eritrea. Rising to prominence as a major trading empire, Axum controlled key trade routes connecting the Roman Empire, India, and Arabia. It developed its own script, Ge'ez, and minted gold, silver, and bronze coins. Under King Ezana in the 4th century CE, Axum became one of the first states to adopt Christianity. The kingdom is also famous for its towering obelisks and advanced architecture. Axum gradually declined due to economic shifts and external pressures but left a lasting cultural and religious legacy in Ethiopia.