Axum's King Ezana and the Rise of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church

Building on earlier episodes about King Ezana's conversion and the Aksumite cross, this episode explores how Axum's adoption of Christianity under Ezana led to the formation of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Lucas and Luna discuss the role of Frumentius, the first bishop of Axum, and how his mission connected the kingdom to the wider Christian world. They examine Ezana's coins, which shifted from pagan symbols to the cross, and the geopolitical implications of aligning with Rome against the Sassanid Persians. The episode also touches on the later legend of the Ark of the Covenant in the Kebra Nagast, and how Axum's unique Miaphysite Christianity survived the rise of Islam. Listeners will learn about key figures like Frumentius (Abba Selama), the Council of Nicaea's impact on Axum, and the lasting legacy of Ezana's faith that shapes Ethiopian identity today. #Axum #KingEzana #EthiopianOrthodox #Frumentius #Miaphysite #Christianity #KebraNagast #ArkOfTheCovenant #RedSea #History #FexingoHistory #AncientAfrica #RomanEmpire #Sassanid #CouncilOfNicaea #AbbaSelama #Ge'ez #Coinage Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo