Nestled on the southeastern slopes, Bete Giorgis stands as the cradle of Axumite history, offering the earliest signs of human habitation in the region. Overlooking the Mai Shum valley and the ancient swamp later drained for the construction of Tsion Maryam, the site is a living testament to the kingdom’s transformation from a tribal society into a sophisticated empire. Bete Giorgis is an invaluable treasure trove of cultural, social, economic, military, and diplomatic history. The archaeological remains, particularly from the 6th to 7th centuries AD, reveal a society built on animal husbandry and the cultivation of crops such as wheat, barley, taff, grapes, and flax. The palaces, tombs, and cemeteries at Bete Giorgis reflect the kingdom’s prosperity and societal hierarchy, while also revealing the architectural preferences of the time. Unlike Yeha, which focused on monumental temples, Bete Giorgis highlighted funerary cults for the elite, with platforms and stelae. Beyond its cultural significance, Bete Giorgis played a crucial role in Aksumite administration and water supply, with streams flowing from the site nurturing the city. Atop the hill lie two of Aksum’s most important archaeological sites: Ona Negest and Ona Aboy Zewge, offering further glimpses into the grandeur of the Aksumite Empire.