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Draft:Ancient Ethiopian trade routes

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In times, in Ethiopias Aksumite Empire (100 AD – 940 AD) the region was crucial in connecting local and worldwide trade routes with its strategic position along the Red Sea as a pivotal trading center linking Africa with the Middle East and India.The exports from Ethiopia included commodities such as gold, ivory, frankincense and myrrh whereas luxury goods, like silk, spices and jewelry were brought in. The ancient harbor town of Adulis, in what's Eritrea thrived as a vibrant hub for commerce where Aksumite traders bartered goods with merchants from various corners of the Roman Empire and Persia, among others.

Historical background

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The empires acceptance of Christianity, in the century and its reach into Arabia consolidated its power along the trade paths of the region more strongly. Furthermore, Aksum's dominance over caravan routes that stretched into Egypt and Sudan guaranteed its supremacy, within the trade networks of East Africa and Arabia.

The use of coins made from gold, silver and bronze helped boost trade as Aksum coins gained popularity in the region. This active trading system did not strengthen the economy of the empire. Also led to cultural interactions that spread Christianity and Ethiopian impact far and wide.

Key trade routes

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1. Red Sea Trade Route

2. Nile River Trade

3. Land Routes

Economic and cultural impact

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Ancient Ethiopia experienced a boost, in prosperity through trade routes that also led to the infusion of elements into the region's fabric. Interactions with traders from Rome, Greece, and Arabia played a role in the expansion of Christianity within Ethiopia. Additionally, Ethiopia's strategic location within trade routes connected it with traditions via exchanges, with Arabian traders.

Decline and legacy

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During the century the emergence of forces, in the Red Sea area weakened Aksum's control over its trading paths. Nevertheless, Ethiopia continued to play a role, in trade until the Middle Ages. Today remnants of these routes can be seen in contemporary trading customs and indigenous rituals.

See also

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References

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  • "Aksum" (PDF). Livingston Public Schools. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  • "Water, Geography, and Aksumite Civilization: The Southern Red Sea Archaeological Histories (SRSAH) Project Survey (2009–2016)". ResearchGate. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  • Davidson, Basil (2014). Modern Africa: A Social and Political History. Routledge. doi:10.4324/9781315844121. ISBN 9781315844121. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  • Finneran, Niall (2013). "The Archaeology of Ethiopia". The Oxford Handbook of African Archaeology. Retrieved October 8, 2024.