Economy

During the first century AD, Adulis and the capital Aksum became some of the most important port cities in Africa. Because of the efficient trade network with India, Arabia, Persia, the Mediterranean region and the interior of Africa, Aksum grew very wealthy. Aksum's location allowed it to access to the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. Many items including slaves were traded, such as jewelry, gold, silver, iron, textiles and glassware. Since Aksum thrived in trade, Aksum merchants thought it would be helpful to mint coins, they were also the first African Kingdom to do so. Geography helped Aksum flourish through one of the most important regions in Africa, and the land was also very fertile for agriculture.

The kings also placed taxes outside the city on trade to collect from passing merchants. Tribute was collected from neighboring rulers inside the city to help sustain the government and the twenty thousand population. But the main source of wealth all came down to trade, "geography is destiny".