The Kingdom of Aksum was an ancient civilization located in what is now northern Ethiopia and parts of Eritrea. It thrived from around the 1st to the 7th century CE and was known for its impressive architecture, including massive stone obelisks and the famous Aksumite stelae. The kingdom was a major trading hub, connecting Africa, the Middle East, and India. Aksum was also one of the first major empires to adopt Christianity as its state religion in the 4th century CE under King Ezana. The kingdom's wealth came from trade in goods like gold, ivory, and spices, and it played a significant role in the spread of culture and religion throughout the region.