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Christianization of the Kingdom of Aksum
In the 4th century CE, the Kingdom of Aksum formally adopted Christianity under rulers such as Ezana, becoming one of the earliest states to make it …
Timeline
- 320–340Royal Palace of Aksum · EthiopiaThe Syrian Christian Frumentius preached at court, influencing the royal family's conversion. After acceding to the throne, Ezana further promoted Christianity, replacing the earlier polytheistic beliefs and sun worship.
- 330–360Aksum · EthiopiaEzana inscribed cross symbols on steles and coins, proclaiming the change of faith in Ge'ez, Greek, and Sabaean, marking Christianity as the kingdom's official religion and influencing coinage and diplomatic posture.
- 350–400East African Highlands · East AfricaThe Aksumite Church accepted the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Alexandria; Ge'ez-language worship and indigenous saint traditions gradually took shape, laying the foundation for the Ethiopian Orthodox Church's millennium-long religious and cultural identity.
Sources
- Aksum: An African Civilisation of Late Antiquity — Stuart Munro-Hay (1991)
- The Church of Ethiopia: A Panorama of History and Spiritual Life — Tadesse Tamrat (1972)