<P> Aksum is mentioned in the 1st - century AD Periplus of the Erythraean Sea as an important market place for ivory , which was exported throughout the ancient world . It states that the ruler of Aksum in the 1st century AD was Zoskales , who , besides ruling the kingdom , likewise controlled land near the Red Sea : Adulis ( near Massawa ) and lands through the highlands of present - day Eritrea . He is also said to have been familiar with Greek literature . </P>
<P> Aksum is mentioned in the 1st - century AD Periplus of the Erythraean Sea as an important market place for ivory , which was exported throughout the ancient world . It states that the ruler of Aksum in the 1st century AD was Zoskales , who , besides ruling the kingdom , likewise controlled land near the Red Sea : Adulis ( near Massawa ) and lands through the highlands of present - day Eritrea . He is also said to have been familiar with Greek literature . </P>
the main port of axum was the red sea city of
the main port of axum was the red sea city of
Adulis
Adulis