The Aksum empire took full advantage of commercial opportunities. Recourses like gold and ivory were perhaps their most valuable goods, but they also were rich in tortoise shells, rhinoceros horns, frankincense, myrrh, emeralds, salt, and live animals. In exchange, they imported textiles, iron, steel, weapons, glassware, jewelry, spices, olive oil, and wine. (Nationalgeographic.org, 2022)
