Abstract
This article examines the letter sent by an Ethiopian King to King George II of Makouria (Nubia)
as well as other letters referring to the dynastic and ecclesiastical crisis in Axum during the
10th Century AD. It presents a ‘’diplomatic’’ analysis of these documents, thereby completing
details, dates and names of Kings who wrote or received the letters. This lead to a thorough
discussion and study of the decline and final period of Axum, including the role of the Queen
of the Bani al-Hamwiyah/Habasha and an assessment of the authority and value of the History
of the Patriarchs of Alexandria. Historical criticism, supported by auxilia such as diplomatica
and chronology, are thereby used.