The epigraphic record
DʿMT and the Aksumite world, in their own words.
Sabaic and Geʿez texts, English translations, and the objects that preserve them.
7 inscriptions · earliest first
RIÉ 180late 2nd–early 3rd century CEAddi Gelemo, Ethiopia
This complete seven-word Geʿez text on a curved bronze object gives GDR the short title ‘king of Aksum’ and is commonly treated as the earliest surviving indigenous royal inscription of the Aksumite period.
CIH 308ca. 195–215 CEJabal Riyām, Yemen
A Sabaean royal dedication records an embassy from GDRT, king of Ḥabašat, and the conclusion of a military and diplomatic alliance between Sabaʾ and the Aksumite ruler.
RIÉ 2233rd century CEMatara, Eritrea
A short memorial inscription states that ʾGZ commissioned the stela for his ancestors and that two named companions transported it.
RIÉ 185 IIfirst half of the 4th century CEAksum, Ethiopia
The royal text names ʿEzana’s dominions and commemorates the defeat, provisioning, and resettlement of Beja groups under six subordinate kings.
RIÉ 185bis I4th century CEAksum, Ethiopia
This duplicate of ʿEzana’s Beja victory text preserves the royal titulary and the account of captives, livestock, provisioning, and resettlement more clearly than the earlier-known monument.
RIÉ 189mid-4th century CEAksum, Ethiopia
The inscription presents ʿEzana’s titles and narrates his campaign against the Noba and into Kush, including troop movements, captives, casualties, and livestock totals.
CIH 541548 CEMaʾrib, Yemen
Abraha’s monumental construction text reports rebellion and war, the mobilization of Abyssinian and Himyarite forces, diplomatic receptions, and repairs to the Great Maʾrib Dam.
