The rise and fall of a great empire happens over thousands of years. Geographical conditions collude, food surpluses are established, trade flourishes. Time passes. Hostile neighbours emerge, and agricultural and military overextension weaken power bases.

Aksum – capital of the Aksumite Empire, which together with Rome, Persia and China was one of the most formidable empires of the second century AD – is still hanging on history’s out-breath.

Visitors move through a peaceful and serene world at once ancient and living. The 2000-year-old city is steeped in legends which have become the fabric of Hollywood movies.

Myth is supported by ancient monuments, and Aksum is alive with ongoing archaeological discovery. Each layer uncovered yields as many new questions as answers.