Chapter 6: Reflections on The Making of an Axumite Empire

In this document, it is clear that Axum has not yet accepted Christianity because of the thanks that he gives to Zeus, Poseidon, and Ares, all of which are Greek gods. Upon conquering all of these different villages and nations, Axum immediately notes that he could not have done so without the help of the gods. 

The point of view in which the document is written is certainly in the first person view of Axum. "I" is used consistently throughout the document and the arrogance and pride that the author has while talking about himself is unmistakeable. Basically, the author (Axum) sounds somewhat conceited and it is easy to see that he is speaking about himself. 

The types of imperial control that the document reveals is that of a very strong handed government. Keywords such as "conquered" and "submission" are indicative of the kind of force that Axum and his empire imposed on others. Practically the entire document consists of telling stories that talk about Axum overcoming others. There really is no other kind of imperial control in this document other than brute force and power. 

In regards to the Greek influence on the document, it may be accounted for due to the fact that it was written in Greek on a slab of stone that was decorated with Greek gods. Also, Axum refers to Greek gods in his writings. The text states that Axumites had their own deities but that they often ams to be Greek deities. One reason why Greece may have had such a powerful impact not the Axumite document is how powerful the Greek empire was. And Axum really responded to power!

A the end of the document, Axum thanks three of the greek gods. The sort of religious take that this empire has is one of power as well. Axum believes that the gods allowed him to take over all these other empires and towns and villages. The three gods that he mentions at the end are all extremely powerful and have control over the sea, warfare, and gods overall! Because their empire was very focused on force.