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How King Endubis of the Great Kingdom of Aksum Became the First Ruler of Ancient Africa to Mint Coins
The Ancient Kingdom of Aksum was in existence from 100AD to 940 AD. It stretched across East Africa and included Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan and Djibouti as well as Sudan. Situated in the northern province of Tigray, Aksum was the capital of Ethiopia until the seventh century CE. The Ancient kingdom had power over southern Egypt and the Gulf of Aden, as well the Omo River territory. Its power stretched as far as the Cushite Kingdom of Meroe to the west.
Aksum is well known for its large stone towers and beautiful architecture. It is known as one of the most powerful empires to ever exist in Africa. Aksum traded commodities between India and the Mediterranean. It was involved in exporting gold, emeralds, silk, spices and tortoiseshell.
The kingdom was so powerful when it came to exporting and trading with other territories, it eventually began to produce its own coins in 270 CE, at this time King Endubis ruled the kingdom. Some historians claim that Endubis was the first prominent king of Ancient Africa to mint coins.
Endubis became king after the collapse of ancient Egypt and Nubia. It has been reported that Aksumite currency was the first native currency utilized in Africa that was not directly influenced by the Greeks or Romans.
King Endubis launched the currency to facilitate trading, he also standardized government taxation. The kingdom of Aksum had a thriving economy at that time and the currency greatly improved economic growth. The coins were made using gold, silver and bronze and they were engraved using Greek lettering and numerals to facilitate the trade between the Greeks and Romans.
The coins were engraved with Endubis’ image on the front and back of the coins. There were also two ears of wheat or barley around the head of the king. This might have symbolized the king’s control and power over the state.
In the 4th century, the kingdom began to develop an interest in Christianity and according to historians, it became the first kingdom to place the crucifix on its coins. Under the reign of King Ezana, the cross replaced…
