How Is Axum Similar

Preston Nelson
History 104
Spring Term
Axum and the World
Civilizations around the world from Mesoamerica to Asia have developed from nothing and turned into great empires. Similarities between these empires consist of Christianity, agriculture and trade. Axum also contrasts with some of these other civilizations. They don’t share the same religion, or the same struggles
These civilizations that have developed in completely different locations around the world eventually have become extremely similar. There were many things that were similar between these civilizations; the most important and most noticeable similarity is their religion. Christianity was introduced to the Axum and Romans both around the fourth century (269) This similarity
Trading networks were the best friends of religion as trade could spread religion much farther and faster than any other known method over huge distances of land. Who else traveled such great distances to new empires and civilizations then merchants? Rome’s participation in trade with Axum was the most influential in aligning Axum with other Eurasian empires. Its own way of life and desires would have slowly been reflected by Axum as there trade brought them closer together. Axum separated itself from the rest of Africa with its agricultural practices, such as using the plow while others were still using hoes and digging sticks. Furthermore, it’s a profitable trade, particularly with Rome, and also helped to establish it as an extremely successful
The Meroe rulers were buried with human sacrificial victims. Also they had a variety of economic specialties such as smelting of iron and manufacturing of iron tools and weapons, this were significant industries. In contrast the Axum’s economic foundation was highly productive agriculture with their plow based farming. Their economy was also declining due to environmental changes, stemming from intensive farming, as well as the rise of Islam, which altered trade routes and resulted in ever decreeing revenue. These civilizations did have one major commonality, which were that they both resembled large scale Eurasian civilizations. The Maya shared the love of agriculture with the Axum. They focused heavily on landscaping that was almost completely engineered with water management, drainage systems, and traced hillsides. Where these two civilizations differ is that the Maya had a great mathematical system consisting of amazing calculations created by intellectuals. Through these great mathematical achievements they were able to make amazing calendars that are still only slightly off to this day. Along with the calendar they developed the most elaborate writing system in the