Axum's Trade Empire: Coins, Cosmas, and the Silk Road of the Sea

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore Axum's role as a commercial superpower, focusing on its unique coinage system, the trading port of Adulis, and the fascinating account of Cosmas Indicopleustes, a 6th-century Greek monk who wrote about his travels to Axum. They discuss how Axum's gold, ivory, and frankincense connected it to Rome, India, and even Sri Lanka. The episode highlights the mystery of the Aksumite gold coin standard and the possible influence of Indian guilds on Axumite trade networks. Lucas explains why Axum minted coins long after its neighbors stopped, and how this reflects its economic power. The conversation also delves into the discovery of Aksumite coins in India, proving the vast reach of this forgotten empire. Perfect for history lovers who want to understand how Axum's trade rivaled Rome's. #Axum #AksumiteEmpire #Adulis #RedSeaTrade #CosmasIndicopleustes #AksumiteCoins #AncientTrade #SilkRoadOfTheSea #GoldCoinage #IvoryTrade #Frankincense #IndianOceanTrade #EastAfrica #AncientEconomy #History #FexingoHistory #TradeNetworks #Numismatics #KingdomOfAxum #Ezana Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo