My name is Ezana of Axum. I reigned over Axum in the 4th century A.D. from about 330-356A.D. My father was Ella Amida, who passed down the kingdom, and my mother was Sofya. My kingdom of Axum was already a strong well know kingdom along the Red Sea. The positive thing about being on the edge of an important body of water helps with connections with other empires to increase trade. The capital of Axum had goods from the interior of Africa sent through it for trade. Some of these items included ivory, animal hides, gold and slaves. My port-city Adulis was on the south western banks of the Red Sea. Goods from the south came through this city for trade, some of the items found in this city were: iron, spices, precious stones and cotton cloth from India and places beyond. Our empire connected to India and the Mediterranean world creating a triangular trade network.
Although I was born into a polytheistic family, worshipping many deities, gods and goddesses, I was the first Axum king to convert the empire into Christianity. I was taught Christianity by Frumentius. He was captured by my father, but tutored me while I was a young ruler. I also appointed him to my court and he helped m convert my empire to Christianity. I then made Christianity the religion of my Empire.
I was also quite the conquerer. Our empire had its eyes on the Kush, the home of the Nubians and also the southern part of Egypt. But during my reign, about 350 A.D., was when my armies conquered these areas. I also had the Ezana Stone written there with the accomplishments of my reign and the conversion to Christianity written on it.
