| The African nation's historic route begins in the ancient city of Axum, which
dates to about 100 B.C. This capital city was the first place in Ethiopia to adopt a new religion -- Christianity. According
to the Old Testament, The Queen of Sheba was born in Axum, but travelled to Israel to meet King Solomon. They had a son named
Menelik, who later became the first emperor of Ethiopia. Menelik brought the original Ark of the Covenant back to Ethiopia
from Israel. Today, the Ark, which once housed the Ten Commandments, remains well hidden in Axum. It is guarded by a select
group of monks, whose sole commitment is to protect the sacred vessel. Axum is also known for its massive, towering sculptures
that are more than two thousand years old. Their significance is still under investigation by archaeologists.
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