Axum (Aksum) is located in north central Ethiopia near the border of Eritrea. Archaeologists believe the Queen of Sheba (1000 BC) lived in the area of Axum. They have found ruins which are thought to be the Palace of Sheba a few miles outside the town. The history of Axum dates back to about 300 AD. The early city was located on the trade route between India, Arabia and Africa. It became one of the earliest holy cities in Ethiopia and Christianity was declared the national religion during the fourth century. The Orthodox Church claim to have the original "Ark of the Covenant" which housed the ten commandments in the vault of the St. Mary of Zion Church. The church also houses an impressive collection of bibles, crosses and crowns of early rulers. The city is also famous for its tall stele located in a historic portion of the city. These stele are carved from single granite blocks. Many of the original stele are no longer standing; however, of the remaining standing stele, the tallest is about 85 feet. The ruins of King Kaleb's Palace, dating from 500 AD, lie a short walk from the city. Archaeologists believe the current city of Axum is built on ancient ruins, but are unable to verify this because of the lack of funds and the need to relocate the current population.
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