The kingdom known to have existed in the area of modern-day Ethiopia is the Kingdom of Aksum. Flourishing between the 1st and 7th centuries AD, Aksum was a highly advanced culture, renowned for its monumental obelisks and as one of the first African kingdoms to adopt Christianity. It played a significant role in trade between the Roman Empire and India, which contributed to its wealth and influence. Aksum's strategic location allowed it to control trade routes, and it is often regarded as a precursor to later Ethiopian empires.