Adulis is a port city on the Red Sea. Throughout most of ancient times it stood in the forefront of trade between Yemen and the cities of Nubia. Even more impressive in this region was the city of Aksum, home of the Aksumites. Some say that the Aksum Kingdom was thriving in the first century BC. Like most cities that thrived and grew, Adulis and Aksum can contribute their success to the geographic location of the city.
Situated between the Red Sea and the Atbara River in present day Ethiopia, Aksum sat in the middle of great trade routes. Many consider the Aksum Kingdom to be one of Africa's greatest civilizations along with Egypt and Meroe (Munro 1). Adulis, with its churches and palaces built of local basalt, became Aksum's chief port though still ruled by its hereditary rulers, the kings of Gabaz. From Adulis, the treasures of Africa including gold, emeralds, obsidian, ivory, spices and slaves were shipped off to Egypt, Rome, India and Sri Lanka. Imported into this port were a variety of important materials including, metalwork, iron weaponry, wine, olive oil, fabrics and glassware.
