The Nine Saints and The Aksumite Empire's Middle Era (~350AD-~530AD)
During the late 4th to early 6th century AD, the Aksumite Empire enjoyed stability, marked by the reign of seven Emperors and the arrival of Nine Saints from the Roman Empire.
After the death of the twin emperors Ezana and Saizana around 350-360 AD, the Aksumite Empire entered a period of relative stability. Unlike the eras before and after, no inscriptions detail wars during this time. However, the continuation of the Aksumite coinage indicates the rule of seven emperors. Notably, in the late 5th century AD, nine saints from various provinces of the Roman Empire arrived in Aksum, sparking a "second evangelization." These nine priests are still venerated as saints, and their churches and manuscripts have withstood the test of time.
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Table Of Contents
Aksumite Middle Era - Emperors: Discusses the seven emperors who ruled from the late 4th century AD to the early 6th century AD.
Gold Coin with a side portrait of Emperor Eon. (Source)
Following Ezana, Emperor Eon ascended to the throne. Similar to his predecessor, detailed records of his reign are scarce. However, his coinage has been found as far east as Yemen in al-Madhariba1, suggesting that Aksum had extensive trade connections during his rule. What distinguishes Eon's coinage is the Greek inscription "Βασιλεύς Ἀβασινῶν" (Basileus Habasinon), which translates to "King of the Habashat" or "King of the Habash”, a notable change from the king of the Aksumites, which is found in earlier coins. Archaeologists have dated Eon’s coins to right after Ezana’s reign2.
Theory: The transition from the use of Aksumites to Habasha was a gradual process that began during the reign of Emperor GDRT in the late 2nd century AD. Emperors of this early period claimed both titles, but this dual identity was reflected only in mainly from South Arabian Inscriptions, not in Aksumite coinage. This shift, during Emperor Eons reign, may have been influenced by the long-standing unification of the Habesha tribes & city states nearly 200 years ago. Thus by the time of Emperor Eon, stability between Habeshas were entrenched & a collective identity could be established.
Emperor Ebana (~380AD)
Gold Coin Featuring a side portrait of Emperor Ebana. (Source)
After the reign of Emperor Eon, it’s likely Emperor Ebana ruled the Aksumite Empire3. Like his predecessors, specific details about his reign are limited. However, his coinage also bears the inscription "Βασιλεύς Ἀβασινῶν," indicating continuity in the royal title "King of the Habashat." Ebana's reign is notable for the large number of coins that have been discovered, making him the emperor with the most extant coinage. This abundance of coinage suggests a period of economic stability and extensive trade under his rule, it’s likely Emperor Ebana ruled for a long period of time4.
Emperor Mehadeyis - The Warrior(~420AD)
This bronze coin bears an inscription proclaiming "Mhdys, King of Aksum." On the reverse side, a message reads, "In this sign, you will conquer," accompanied by a cross." (Source)
After the death of Emperor Ebana, Emperor MHDYS vocalized as Mehadeyis reigned5. This ruler is known primarily through the Aksumite coinage that features his name. The coins attributed to Mehadeyis include both Greek and Ge'ez inscriptions, interestingly besides Emperor Wazeba, no other Emperor Minted Coins using Ge’ez6. Particularly notable are the copper and bronze coins, which also bear the motto "In hoc signo vinces," meaning "By this sign, you will conquer"7. This motto, which references the Christian cross, signifies the emperor's dedication to Christianity and his warlike nature. The quote was also used previously by Emperor Constantine of the Roman Empire, and most likely drew inspiration from it.
Historical References to Mehadeyis
The Dionysiaca, a Greek text from the 5th century by the Roman Egyptian poet Nonnus, spans 48 books and centres on the life of Dionysus and his war with the Indians. Throughout the poem, Nonnus frequently mentions Ethiopians, often conflating them with Indians. He describes these Ethiopians and Indians as living east of the Nile and having black skin with curly hair8.
Within this epic poem, there is a mention of a warrior king named Modaios who inhabited the Ethiopian region. Scholars believe this might reference MHDYS, a figure noted for his warlike behaviour and Christian devotion, as evidenced by his coinage9. The inscription on his coins, "In this sign, you will conquer," aligns with the characteristics of a warrior king deeply committed to the Christian faith mentioned in the poem.
Two excerpts from the poem are as follows:
(Dionysus) assigned a governor for the Indians, choosing the godfearing Modaios. - New Evidence of King MḤDYS?, pg 205
(Ares) took the form of the champion Modaios, more than all others unsated with battle, whose joy was joyless carnage, whom bloodshed pleased better than banquets - New Evidence of King MḤDYS?, pg 206
Unique Gold Coin of Mehadeyis
A unique gold coin featuring Mehadeyis was discovered, providing a rare and detailed depiction of the emperor, not found in any other Aksumite Coinage10. This coin is significant for several reasons:
Obverse Side: The obverse side of the coin features a full-body portrayal of Emperor Mehadeyis, holding a shield in one hand and a spear in the other, dressed in official regalia, likely a type of armour. His right arm is adorned with three armlets, and a crown sits atop his head, from which a ribbon falls at the back. He is depicted wearing trousers with a tail-like object attached, reminiscent of the bull's tail worn by Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs11. The end of a short sword is visible. This imagery emphasizes his role as a warrior and conqueror.
Reverse Side: The reverse side of the coin depicts a female figure draped in a cloth, holding a long staff topped with a cross. She is adorned with wings on both sides of her shoulders. The inscription on this side reads, "By the cross, he shall conquer." This coin bears a striking resemblance to those minted by Theodosius II of the Eastern Roman Empire around 420 AD, suggesting that Aksumite coinage was likely inspired by this design12. This depiction highlights Emperor Mehadeyis's religious devotion and strong connection to Christianity.
Gold Coin featuring a full-body portrait of MHDYS - A New Gold Coin of King MḤDYS of Aksum, pg 278
The two sides of the coin illustrate the dual aspects of Emperor Mehadeyis's reign: his military prowess and his commitment to the Christian faith.
After the reign of MHDYS, the next known emperor of Aksum was Ouazebas. There is limited information about his reign, but coins bearing his name have been discovered beneath the largest Stele at Aksum. Scholars believe this might indicate that the Stele fell during his reign13. The exact circumstances of the Stele's fall and the events during Ouazebas's rule remain largely unknown, making his reign a subject of ongoing historical investigation. Interestingly during his reign, the reverse side of his coins had an inscription reading “May this please the people”14, possibly alluding to some sort of political strife in the empire.
Theory: During the reign of Ouazebas, the Aksumite Empire likely faced rebellions and a period of instability. The Roman Empire in the north was fracturing, especially the Western Roman Empire, as tribes from northern Germanic Europe marauded south. This undoubtedly impacted Aksumite trade, as the Romans were a crucial trade partner. The decline in trade and general political instability likely led to internal issues and rebellions within the Aksumite Empire. This is evidenced by the inscription "may this please the people" on the coinage of Emperor Ouazebas, suggesting efforts to quell discontent. One can only imagine the state of the world at this pivotal moment in history.
Emperors Neezol and Nezana (~470AD)
Gold Coin Featuring a side portrait of Emperor Neezol. (Source)
The reigns of Neezol and Nezana present a unique case in Aksumite history. These two names might refer to separate emperors or a dual reign. Nezana was the primary ruler, with Neezol possibly succeeding him after his death15. Coins from Nezana & Nezool have been dated to the late fifth to earth sixth centuries16. The coinage from this period provides additional clues:
Nezana's Coins: These coins bear the inscription "Thanks be to God," indicating a religious devotion and the acknowledgment of divine support for his reign.
Neezol's Coins: These coins are inscribed with "By the Grace of God,”.
Theory: Fortunately, the Aksumite Empire survived the political turmoil that engulfed many empires in the 5th century. The inscriptions "By the grace of God" and "Thanks be to God" may allude to this period of survival and resilience.
It was during the period of Emperors Neezol or Nezana that the nine saints came from the roman empire.
The last known emperor of this period is Ousas also known as Ousanas II, who reigned from the late 5th century to the early 6th century. Although detailed historical records are sparse, his coinage provides some insights. The inscriptions on his coins read "Ousas King" and "By the Grace of God," indicating a continued emphasis on divine legitimacy17. Scholars suggest that Ousas might have been the father of the famous Emperor Kaleb, with Ousas's alternative name being Tazena in traditional records18.
There are three different names in the coinage: Ousas, Ousana & Ousanas. Scholars used to speculate that these were three seperate Emperors but now most think it’s one19.
The Nine Saints of the Aksumite Empire (~480AD)
Overview
The Nine Saints were influential Christian missionaries who played a pivotal role in the spread of Christianity in the Aksumite Empire. They originated from various Roman territories and were known for their anti-Chalcedonian stance, which led to their departure from the Roman Empire. Their mission was to evangelize and establish Christian monasticism within the Aksumite Empire, replacing pagan places of worship with monasteries and churches.
Chalcedonian refers to the Council of Chalcedon, convened in 451 in Chalcedon, Turkey, by several hundred Christian bishops. The primary agenda of this council was to resolve the theological debate over the nature of Jesus Christ. The council ultimately affirmed that Jesus Christ exists in two distinct natures, divine and human, a doctrine now known as the Chalcedonian definition. However, the Oriental Orthodox Churches, including the Ethiopian and Eritrean churches of today (Aksumite Churchs at the time), did not adopt this Chalcedonian doctrine, maintaining instead that Christ has one unified nature, a combination of the human and divine20.
Origins and Arrival
According to the Gedle Argawi, a traditional text covering the Nine Saints, these revered figures arrived during the reign of Ella-Amida II, who was the sixth king after Abreha and Asbeha and the grandfather of Emperor Kaleb. Their presence spanned approximately 50 years, covering the reigns of Ella-Amida II (8 years), Tazena (12 years), Emperor Kaleb (30 years), and part of the reign of Gebre Meskel21.
Ella-Amida II is likely a reference to either Emperor Nezana and Nezool, while Tazena refers to Emperor Ousas. Reviewing earlier details in the article, Nezana and Nezool were the 5th and 6th rulers, suggesting that one of these emperors bore the indigenous Ge’ez name of Ella-Amida II. This period was followed by the reign of Emperor Ousas, known as Tazena in traditional records, and finally, Emperor Kaleb.
These nine saints came from different parts of both the Eastern & Western Roman Empire, specifically as follows22:
Mission and Impact
The primary mission of the Nine Saints was to spread Christianity deeper into the Aksumite Empire. They enjoyed the support of the emperors, which facilitated their efforts and prevented acts of violence from being precipitated by dissuaded locals. The emperor visited both Aregawi and Asfe to show his support23. Their tasks included replacing pagan worship centres with Christian monasteries and translating the Bible.
Even though The Aksumite empire had adopted christianity during the reign of Ezana, early in the 4th century. Most of the inhabitants likely still hadn’t converted by the time of the Nine Saints in the late 5th century to early 6th century, or at the very least large pockets of the empire still retained pagan belief systems.
Anti-Chalcedonian Stance
These nine priests were anti-Chalcedonians and were not accepted within the Roman Empire. This theological stance led them to the Aksumite Empire, where their doctrine was embraced. They brought with them their liturgical traditions and religious texts. Initially, they stayed in Bete Qetin in Aksum. However, upon the death of Ella-Amida II, his successor Tazena was not as supportive. Tradition holds that most saints did not support Tazena's claim to the throne, leading to their separation into different areas during his reign, around 12 years after their first arrival24.
Also note that during this time, the Western Roman Empire was at a great period of strife, from the north the Romans were under constant attack, leading to the sacking of rome in 455AD by the Vandals. Therefore this also likely palyed a part in the influx of priests into the Aksumite Empire.
Individual Contributions
Abba Aregawi
Traditional Style Painting Of Abuna Aregawi. (Source)
Abba Aregawi is the most well-known and venerated of the nine saints in Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. His name, meaning "The Elder" in Ge’ez, reflects his exemplary wisdom25. Aregawi founded the Church of Debre Damo, which was likely previously a centre for the worship of Arwe, the serpent king. According to tradition, Aregawi ascended the mountainous terrain to establish the church by holding onto a large serpent. Upon reaching the top, he founded the monastery of Debre Damo with the assistance of Emperor Gebre Meskel26.
Tradition also holds that the monastery was initially called Debre "Hallelujah" because Aregawi exclaimed praise to God upon his miraculous ascent. Later, Emperor Gebre Meskel ordered the construction of a staircase to facilitate passage up the mountain. However, Abune Aregawi insisted that ropes be used instead, to commemorate his miraculous journey with the serpent. He told the emperor "Dahmimo," meaning "destroy it," referring to the staircase. Thus, the name evolved to Debre Dahimo, now known as Debre Damo27.
Theory: The Serpent plays an important role in the story of Aregawi, this might allude to the combination of pre-pagan beliefs such Arwe into Christianity, especially at this early period.
Mountain, with Debre Damo situated at the top. (Source)
Tradition states that on the 25th of October, God took Aregwi up to heaven, therby bypassing death, just like Elijah and 😊Henok😊.
Abba Pentelewon travelled northeast of Aksum and established a religious center atop a hill, now known as Debre Pentelwon. This site, previously a pagan temple, was converted into a church under his guidance. According to tradition, Emperor Kaleb sought advice and blessings from Penetelwon before his historic war with the Himyarites. After his victorious campaign against Himyar, Kaleb abdicated the throne and became a monk with Abba Penetelwon28. Abba Pentelewon passed away on the 17th of October.
A specific excerpt from the tradition reads as follows:
….Then they separated, and Abba Pantaleon went up to the top of a little mountain, where he made himself a cell which was five cubits long, two cubits wide, and three cubits deep. Its roof was a single stone, and it had no door, only a small opening. He stood on his feet for forty-five years without sitting down or lying down to sleep. He ate and drank so little that his skin cleaved to his bones, and his eyelashes were worn away by his tears. He continued to work innumerable miracles, healing the sick and opening the eyes of the blind. One day he planted a tree at dawn, and by evening it had grown very tall, dried up, and his disciple prepared it, burned it, and tied up the charcoal in his garment for the censer.
When Kaleb was preparing to wage war against another king, he came to Abba Pantaleon, embraced his cell, and shared his troubles. Abba Pantaleon said, “Go in peace, for God is able to do all things, and He shall give thee victory over thy enemy and return safely and in peace.” When Kaleb the king reached the country of Saba, he made war on the people, slew them all, and conquered them, scattering them like leaves. Those who saw Saint Abba Pantaleon testified, saying, “We saw Abba Pantaleon standing with us in the battle, and he was overthrowing our enemies.”
When Kaleb the king returned, having conquered the King of Judah, he forsook his kingdom and became a monk with Pantaleon. When Saint Abba Pantaleon had finished his strife, our Lord Jesus Christ came to him and made a covenant with him concerning those who would call upon his name, celebrate his commemoration, and write an account of his contending. He said to him, “It is now sufficient for thee; go to thy rest.” And straightway his bones broke, he died in peace, and was buried in his cell. Salutation to Pantaleon, the perfect man….. - The Book of the Saints of the Ethiopian Church: a translation of the Ethiopic Synaxarium, pg 116
Abba Gerima, according to tradition, hailed from a noble family in Rome and was originally named Isaac. Trained to become a priest from a young age, he received a request from Abba Pantelewon and travelled to the Aksumite Empire. There, he is said to have defeated a giant serpent named Arwe with the other nine saints, likely a metaphor for the saints dispelling ancient pagan beliefs. He then founded a monastery in Medera, east of Adwa, and became renowned for his miracles.
Among his notable miracles, Abba Gerima healed a girl possessed by evil spirits and turned a single grain of wheat into a bountiful harvest, which he used to feed the poor. While travelling secretly with Abba Pantelewon, they asked the trees and stones to move away, and they did so through the power of God. Witnessing this, Abba Pantelewon exclaimed, "Garamkani," meaning "You have amazed me," which led to Isaac being named Garima29.
Abba Gerima lived in Medera for twenty-three years. Today, the Abba Gerima Church, located northeast of Adwa, houses the Gerima Gospels. The Gerima Gospels are an illuminated manuscript of two volumes written in Ge’ez by Abba Garima, recent radiocarbon dating has shown that a date between 330 and 650CE has been attested. The Garima Gospels are the oldest known completely illuminated Christian manuscripts.
After years of historic marriage, Masfyânos, king of Rome, and Sefengyà, his pious wife, have a son, Yeshâq, whose name means “pearl.” While the patriarch is baptizing him, a great supernatural light foretells his future glories. At the age of twelve, the child is sent to school, where he progresses rapidly. As he grows up, his parents wish to find him a wife, but a celestial vision distracts them. Upon the death of Masfyânos, Yeshâq reluctantly ascends the throne. After seven years of peaceful reign, he secretly flees to Ethiopia, summoned by a letter from Saint Pantalêwon of Somâ`t. The angel Gabriel transports him there in four days, while Pantalêwon’s messengers take ten months to return.
In Ethiopia, Yeshâq receives the monastic habit from Pantalêwon and remains with him for a year. Hearing of his departure, other religious leaders—Liqânos of Constantinople, Yematâ of Qosyât, Schmâ of Antioch, Gubâ of Cilicia, Afsê of Asia, Malâ of Romyâ, and `Os of Caesarea—join him in Ethiopia. They live in great holiness and abstinence with Pantalêwon and Yeshâq.
A governor of Aksum informs them about a huge snake, Arwè, venerated as a god and demanding daily sacrifices of animals and girls. After confirming the truth through Yeshâq and `Os, who is terrified by the monster, the nine saints pray intensely and obtain its death from God. Ethiopia then experiences turmoil until God, recognizing the righteousness of the saints' faith, installs Kâlêb, a king of David’s lineage, on the throne.
After thirteen years and many miracles, a humble monk named Melkyânos joins them but is initially despised. To punish this arrogance, God temporarily withdraws a mystical light that used to illuminate their meals. After their repentance, the saints disperse, and Yeshâq retires to Madarâ, where he performs great miracles, such as freeing a possessed person and healing a woman with a thirty-year-long hemorrhage.
Yeshâq becomes the head of the priests of Madarâ. One day, he plants a grain of wheat, which quickly grows and produces a bountiful harvest that he distributes to the poor. Another time, angels copy the gospel and his interpretation while he prays. He heals a girl possessed by an evil spirit and is visited by two monks whom he feeds. When he sets aside his portion, he is accused of breaking his fast, but Pantalêwon, recognizing his innocence, renames him Garimâ.
Back at the convent, Garimâ once stops the sun to finish his prayers. He mourns the death of his donkey, which used to bring him the gospel and food. After writing under a tree and spitting on a stone, he makes a spring of water gush forth. When he rebukes a village for not observing Sunday rest and is beaten, he curses them. King Gabra Masqal hears of Garimâ’s wonders, visits him, and donates land for a church in his honor.
Garimâ performs further miracles, such as causing a grape to germinate instantly and drawing juice for the mass, setting rules for a community, and bringing forth a spring from a mountain. When his pen falls, it becomes a plant. The king gives him more land upon learning of his deeds. Garimâ, accompanied by Yem’âtâ, stops a boulder rolled by Satan, meets Pantalêwon one last time, and is comforted for the beatings he received. Finally, warned by God of his imminent end, he obtains promises for his veneration, bids farewell to his brothers, and disappears on the 17th of Sene. One of his disciples has a vision of future tribulations in the sanctified locality, where wicked people will eventually settle. - Source
Saint Mark the Evangelist, from Gerima Gospel Volume 2. (Source)
Abba Afse ventured to Yeha, an ancient city and the centre of pre-Aksumite culture. He converted the temple dedicated to the Sabaean gods such as Almouqah into a Christian church30. The temple at Yeha now contains some of the oldest Christian artifacts in Ethiopia, such as crosses. Asfe also maintained close contact with Emperor Kaleb & Gebre Meskel. Afse died on the 6th of June.
Oldest Known Christian Artifacts in Ethiopia. Source: Ethiopia By Jean Doresse Page 68
Abba Guba
Aba Guba travelled west of Gerima. Although no known church, founded by him survives today, details remain scarce on his mission & tradition states he disappeared in a desert31. His commemorated on the 6th of June.
Abba Alef
Abba Alef journeyed northeast of Aksum and founded a monastery called Debra Halle Luya. He died on the 20th of March32.
Abba Yimata travelled northeast of Aksum to a location with a large vertical mountainous structure resembling a finger pointing to the sky. There, he carved a cave into the mountain and established a monastery, now known as Yemata Guh. He might have chosen this remote and elevated location to evade persecution. Today, the monastery is a church visited by locals every Sunday, despite the trek being one of the most dangerous to any church on earth. Abba Yimata died on November 8th, and tradition holds that he was buried in a rock at the mountain's peak.33.
The Priest of Abuna Yemata Showing a Goatskinned Bible in Written in Geez, Abuna Yemata Church, Ethiopia. (Source)
Abba Libanos hailed from a wealthy family in Constantinople and received a thorough education in the scriptures. Tradition states that an angel transported him to Egypt, from where he journeyed to Aksum. He then ventured north, crossing the Marib River into present-day Eritrea, arriving at a place known as Metai. There, he founded a monastery and translated the Gospel of Matthew from Greek to Ge’ez.
Abba Libanos was renowned for his miraculous ability to make water sprout from the ground using his cane. However, he reportedly had a falling out with other priests, particularly Abba Elias. This conflict led Libanos to self-isolate for several years. One day, he reached out to the priests again, finding them fasting continuously. He advised them to stop, which they did, and the turbulence ceased. Abba Libanos is said to have died on December 8th.
Mummies have been found at the Monastery of Debre Libanos, some speculate one of them is of Abba Libanos himself…
Abba Sehma settled southeast of Adwa in a region now called Enda Abba Sehma. While no monastery from the Aksumite times has been found there, his influence remains acknowledged. He died on the 24th of January34.
Conclusion
This period of the Aksumite Empire is often overlooked due to the lack of inscriptions and documented battles. However, it remains significant for the empire's development of Christianity from the late 4th century to the early 6th century. During these years, the warrior emperor Mehadeyis reigned, and the arrival of the Nine Saints further evangelized Christianity, embedding it deeply into the culture of the Habesha people and the peripheral tribes within the Aksumite Empire. Orthodox Christianity continues to thrive in present-day Eritrea and Ethiopia. This period set the stage for the rise of Emperor Kaleb, the most renowned Aksumite emperor, who led the first known crusade in the region against the Jewish Himyarite Kingdom, which was persecuting Christians across the Red Sea. I will explore this in-depth in the next article.
The following was found in Berenice, Egypt in the 4th Century AD….
Ariam is in reference to the 7th layer of heaven, the furthest from us & closest to God.
"I Abreha Man of Aksum spent the night here [and] came believing in the power of the Lord of Heaven Ariam with my son" - Ancient And Medieval Ethiopian History to 1270, pg 109
