Ezana Stone
የዔዛና ድንጋይ
A victory stele from the 4th century, carved by King Ezana in Ge'ez, Sabaean and Greek. It is considered evidence of the arrival of Christianity.
The Ezana Stone stands inside a small pavilion north of the city. It is a victory monument erected by King Ezana of Aksum in the 4th century. Its inscriptions in Ge'ez, Sabaean and Greek record his military campaigns, and in later inscriptions he refers to worshipping the 'Lord of Heaven', making it an important piece of evidence for Ethiopia's conversion to Christianity. It is often called the 'Rosetta Stone of Africa'. It lies on the way to the Tombs of Kaleb and Gebre Meskel, and it is looked after by local farmers. A small tip is enough to get the gate opened for a visit.
Opening hours
Daytime (opened by the caretaker)
Nearby sights
- Mai Shum (Queen of Sheba's Bath)
- Obelisks of Aksum
- Aksum Archaeological Museum
- King Ezana's Stele
- Tomb of the False Door & Mausoleum
- Tombs of Kings Kaleb and Gebre Meskel
- Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion
- Tomb of Bazen