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Wazeba of Axum

300 – 400

King of the Kingdom of Aksum

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About Wazeba of Axum

Lived 300 – 400. Wazeba of Axum was a politician.

Wazeba (early 4th century), vocalized by historians as Wazeba, or WZB was a Negus of the Kingdom of Aksum, centered in the highlands of modern Ethiopia and Eritrea. He succeeded Aphilas. Wazeba is known only from the coins that he minted during his reign. He was the first Aksumite ruler to engrave the legends of his coins in Ge'ez, and the only King of Aksum to use that language on his gold currency. Stuart Munro-Hay suggests that the scarcity of Wazeba's coins may hint at a short reign.

The Geta Lion near Kombolcha is a stone statue with a very eroded short inscription surrounding a cross. French archaeologist Francis Anfray states Wazeba's coinage has a similar monogram. However it was Ezana who is known for converting to Christianity, not Wazeba. None of Wazeba's coins feature a Christian cross like this inscription.

Coinage Wazeba's coins were the first Aksumite coins to use the script and language (Ge'ez), with some variations on the regalia on gold coins. The standard design was restored by Ousanas.

There is one coin issue that combines a die from Wazeba on the obverse and a die from Ousanas on the reverse. Munro-Hay suggests that these two kings may have been co-rulers. Wolfgang Hahn and Vincent West instead suggested that Wazeba was an usurper who interrupted the reign of Ousanas.

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Important facts

Born
300
Birth century
Died
400
Occupation
Nationality
Kingdom of Aksum
Positions held
Ethiopia, AKSUM

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Wazeba of Axum's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Wazeba of Axum?

King of the Kingdom of Aksum

When was Wazeba of Axum born?

Wazeba of Axum was born in 300.

When did Wazeba of Axum die?

Wazeba of Axum died in 400.

What was Wazeba of Axum's occupation?

Wazeba of Axum was a politician.

What nationality was Wazeba of Axum?

Wazeba of Axum's recorded nationality: Kingdom of Aksum.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Wazeba of Axum

· Wikidata: Q363144

· DBpedia: Wazeba of Axum

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Wazeba of Axum. https://biography.guide/wazeba-of-axum/

MLA: "Wazeba of Axum." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/wazeba-of-axum/.

Chicago: "Wazeba of Axum." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/wazeba-of-axum/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-21 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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