Rules of Axum gained power and wealth by?
1. Trade: Axum's location on the Red Sea coast allowed it to establish a thriving trade network with various regions, including Arabia, India, Egypt, and the Byzantine Empire. The kingdom was known for exporting valuable commodities such as ivory, gold, spices, and agricultural products, while also importing luxury goods, textiles, and other items.
2. Control of key trade routes: Axum strategically controlled important trade routes, particularly the maritime routes in the Red Sea. This allowed them to regulate and tax the trade passing through their territories, which contributed significantly to their economic prosperity and wealth accumulation.
3. Agriculture and agriculture-based resources: The region of Axum possessed fertile lands suitable for cultivation, which enabled the production of various agricultural commodities like grains, fruits, and vegetables. These resources not only sustained the local population but also provided surplus for trade.
4. Control of valuable resources: Axum was rich in natural resources such as gold, salt, iron, and precious stones. Their effective management and exploitation of these resources contributed to their economic dominance and accumulation of wealth.
5. Tribute and taxation: Axum exercised political control over neighboring regions and kingdoms, and as a result, they could impose tribute and taxation on these territories. This stream of revenue further fueled Axum's power and wealth.
6. Expansion and conquest: Axum engaged in military campaigns and conquests to expand its territories, control key trade routes, and establish dominance over rival kingdoms. This allowed them to gain access to additional resources, tribute, and taxes, leading to further power and wealth accumulation.
7. Christianity and religious influence: Axum became one of the first Christian kingdoms, adopting Christianity as its official religion during the 4th century. The kingdom's strong ties to the Byzantine Empire and its religious influence helped solidify its power and attract trade opportunities, pilgrims, and missionaries.
Overall, it was a combination of trade, control of trade routes, agriculture, control of resources, tribute and taxation, expansion, and religious influence that enabled Axum to gain power and accumulate wealth.