Aksumite Empire # MCQs Practice set

Q.1 Where was the Aksumite Empire primarily located?

Egypt

Ethiopia and Eritrea

Sudan

Somalia

Explanation - The Aksumite Empire was centered in what is now northern Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Correct answer is: Ethiopia and Eritrea

Q.2 Which Aksumite king is known for adopting Christianity as the state religion?

Ezana

Kaleb

Ella Amida

Menas

Explanation - King Ezana of Aksum adopted Christianity in the 4th century CE, making it the official religion.

Correct answer is: Ezana

Q.3 What was the main currency of the Aksumite Empire?

Cowrie shells

Gold coins

Silver coins

Copper tokens

Explanation - The Aksumites were among the first African empires to mint their own gold coins for trade.

Correct answer is: Gold coins

Q.4 Which script was used for writing in the Aksumite Empire?

Ge'ez

Arabic

Hieroglyphs

Latin

Explanation - The Aksumites used the Ge'ez script for inscriptions and religious texts.

Correct answer is: Ge'ez

Q.5 The Aksumite Empire was famous for which type of monumental architecture?

Ziggurats

Obelisks

Pyramids

Stupas

Explanation - Aksum is famous for its giant stone obelisks, some over 20 meters tall, used as grave markers.

Correct answer is: Obelisks

Q.6 Which sea facilitated Aksum's trade with the Roman Empire and India?

Mediterranean Sea

Red Sea

Arabian Sea

Caspian Sea

Explanation - Aksum's location near the Red Sea allowed extensive trade with the Roman Empire, India, and Arabia.

Correct answer is: Red Sea

Q.7 Which commodity was Aksum particularly known for exporting?

Gold

Salt

Ivory

All of the above

Explanation - Aksum exported gold, ivory, and other valuable goods to the Roman Empire, India, and Arabia.

Correct answer is: All of the above

Q.8 Which religion was predominant in Aksum before the adoption of Christianity?

Judaism

Traditional polytheism

Islam

Zoroastrianism

Explanation - Before Christianity, the Aksumites practiced indigenous polytheistic religions, worshiping multiple deities.

Correct answer is: Traditional polytheism

Q.9 What was the capital city of the Aksumite Empire?

Axum

Gondar

Lalibela

Addis Ababa

Explanation - The capital of the empire was Axum, a major center for trade, politics, and religion.

Correct answer is: Axum

Q.10 Which famous Aksumite king invaded Yemen in the 6th century CE?

Kaleb

Ezana

Menas

Abreha

Explanation - King Kaleb led military campaigns in Yemen to protect Christians and assert Aksumite influence.

Correct answer is: Kaleb

Q.11 Aksumite inscriptions are mostly found on which material?

Papyrus

Stone

Clay tablets

Wood

Explanation - Aksumite inscriptions were carved on stone stelae, coins, and monuments.

Correct answer is: Stone

Q.12 Which title did Aksumite kings commonly use to show their authority?

Negus

Pharaoh

Emir

Khan

Explanation - Aksumite kings were called 'Negus', meaning ruler or king in the local language.

Correct answer is: Negus

Q.13 Which major river ran near the Aksumite heartland?

Nile

Tekeze

Blue Nile

Atbara

Explanation - The Tekeze River ran near Axum, supporting agriculture and trade.

Correct answer is: Tekeze

Q.14 The Aksumite Empire is believed to have been influenced by which earlier civilization?

Egyptian

Sabaean

Meroitic

Roman

Explanation - The Aksumite culture and language were influenced by the Sabaeans of Yemen.

Correct answer is: Sabaean

Q.15 Which of the following is a significant religious monument of the Aksumite Empire?

Church of St. Mary of Zion

Pyramids of Giza

Temple of Karnak

Great Mosque of Sana'a

Explanation - The Church of St. Mary of Zion in Axum is believed to house the Ark of the Covenant and is a key religious site.

Correct answer is: Church of St. Mary of Zion

Q.16 Which foreign empire did Aksum maintain trade relations with during its peak?

Roman Empire

Mauryan Empire

Han China

Persian Empire

Explanation - Aksum traded extensively with the Roman Empire, exchanging gold, ivory, and other goods.

Correct answer is: Roman Empire

Q.17 Which geographical feature helped Aksum become a center of trade?

Highlands

Desert

Delta

Island

Explanation - The Ethiopian highlands provided natural protection and access to trade routes connecting Africa and Arabia.

Correct answer is: Highlands

Q.18 Which neighboring region was conquered by the Aksumites to control Red Sea trade?

Yemen

Sudan

Egypt

Kenya

Explanation - Aksumite kings launched campaigns in Yemen to dominate the lucrative Red Sea trade routes.

Correct answer is: Yemen

Q.19 What is the approximate period of the Aksumite Empire's prominence?

1st to 8th century CE

5th to 10th century CE

3rd to 9th century BCE

2nd to 6th century CE

Explanation - The Aksumite Empire flourished approximately from the 1st to the 8th century CE before its decline.

Correct answer is: 1st to 8th century CE

Q.20 Aksumite religion after Christianity adopted which denomination first?

Coptic Christianity

Roman Catholicism

Eastern Orthodox

Protestantism

Explanation - Aksumite Christianity was closely linked to the Coptic Church of Egypt, influencing liturgy and architecture.

Correct answer is: Coptic Christianity

Q.21 Which material was commonly used to construct Aksumite obelisks?

Granite

Sandstone

Limestone

Marble

Explanation - The Aksumites carved massive obelisks out of single pieces of granite, demonstrating advanced engineering skills.

Correct answer is: Granite

Q.22 Which historical source mentions the Aksumite Empire as a major trading power?

Periplus of the Erythraean Sea

Herodotus' Histories

The Bible

Pliny the Elder's Natural History

Explanation - The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea (1st century CE) describes Aksum as an important trading hub in the Red Sea region.

Correct answer is: Periplus of the Erythraean Sea

Q.23 Which natural resource contributed significantly to Aksum's wealth?

Gold

Spices

Silk

Timber

Explanation - Aksum had access to rich gold deposits and traded extensively in gold coins and jewelry.

Correct answer is: Gold

Q.24 Which writing system did Aksumite coins often feature?

Greek