The Kingdom of Aksum became a major trading center in northeast Africa along the Red Sea in the 1st century AD by trading African ivory. In the 4th century AD, King Ezana converted to Christianity and made it the official religion. However, Muslim invaders from Arabia attacked in the 7th century, weakening Aksum's control of trade. Ethiopia remained predominantly Christian while surrounding areas converted to Islam. Between the 12th and 13th centuries, King Lalibela ordered the construction of famous rock-hewn churches in Ethiopia. Other major trading city-states like Kilwa and Great Zimbabwe emerged along Africa's east coast and became wealthy through trade and natural resources like gold.
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