Granite Thrones of Judges of Axum

Thirteen granite thrones aligned in two rows facing the Cathedral of Our Lady Mary of Zion in Axum, Ethiopia. Attributed to the twelve judges of Axum or to early Christian missionaries and rulers, they were later used in coronation ceremonies. The square monuments featured indented channels that once held pillared canopies, backrests, and inscribed panels. Before Christianity, Aksumite kings dedicated granite thrones to pre-Christian deities such as Astar, Baher, and Mahram, inscribing them with accounts of military campaigns.