Ezana of Axum

Christianizing ruler of the powerful Kingdom of Aksum in the 4th century AD.

Chronology: Unknown – Unknown

Origins & Early Life

Ezana (Ge'ez: ዔዛና, ‘Ezana, unvocalized ዐዘነ ‘zn); Ancient Greek: Ἠεζάνα, Aezana) was the ruler of the Kingdom of Aksum (320s – c. 360 AD). One of the best-documented rulers of Aksum, Ezana is important as the one who adopted both the religion of Christianity and the name of Ethiopia for that country when he conquered Aethiopia (Referring to the Kingdom of Kush, not to be confused with modern day Ethiopia). Tradition states that Ezana succeeded his father Ella Amida (Ousanas) as king while still a child; his mother, Sofya, served as regent until he came of age.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

== Reign == Ezana was the first monarch of the Kingdom of Aksum to embrace Coptic Christianity, after his Phoenician slave-teacher, Frumentius, converted him. He was the first monarch after Zoskales to be mentioned by contemporary historians, a situation that lead Stuart Munro-Hay to comment that he was "the most famous of the Aksumite kings before Kaleb." In early life he considered himself a son of Ares, but later inscriptions show a growing attachment to Christianity. His childhood tutor, the Syrian Christian Frumentius, became head of the Ethiopian Church. A surviving letter from the Arian Roman emperor Constantius II is addressed...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Source: Wikipedia