Axum was an important trading nation in the northern Africa. It was deeply involved in the trade network between India and the Mediterranean. It grew from the ‘’Proto- Axsumite period ca. 4th century BC. It was also believed to be an important market place for ivory. The sea routes around the horn of Arabia and the Indian sub-continent were Akxum's specialty for nearly a millennium. It is also the alleged resting place of the Ark of the Covenant and the purported home of the Queen of Sheba.