The chronology of Aksum (Tigrai, Ethiopia): a view from Bieta Giyorgis

From 1993 to 2003 archaeological investigations were conducted on Bieta Giyorgis hill to the northwest of Aksum by the joint project of the University of Naples ‘L’Orientale’ and Boston University. One of the results of this project was to establish a detailed archaeological sequence and chronology for the development of the ancient capital, based on the dating of finds and radiocarbon dates from well defined archaeological contexts. Five phases of development of Aksum have been identified: 1 Proto-Aksumite Phase, 360 BC (?) – 120/40 BC; 2 Aksumite 1 (Early Aksumite) Phase, 120/40 BC – AD 130/190; 3 Aksumite 2 (Classic Aksumite) Phase, AD 130/190–360/400; 4 Aksumite 3 (Middle Aksumite) Phase, AD 360/400–550/610; and 5 Aksumite 4 (Late Aksumite) Phase, AD 550/610–800/850. This paper presents the methodology and results of the chronological analysis at Bieta Giyorgis and a comparison with other chronological sequences previously suggested for Aksum.