Perched within the historic landscapes of Bete Giorgis, Ona Negest stands as a bridge between the proto-Axumite (400 BC–150 BC) and Axumite (150 BC–AD 700) civilizations. This ancient settlement, predating the rise of Aksum, reveals an organized society sustained by agriculture and livestock breeding, with strong ties to foreign powers such as Arabia, Egypt, and Nubia. Archaeological excavations suggest that during the Axumite era, Ona Negest became a key hub of international trade, importing glass, beads, and amphorae from Egypt, Rome, India, and beyond. The site also shares striking similarities with Nubian funerary traditions, further highlighting its cultural significance. Among its most remarkable discoveries is the ruined palace of King Rohmay, a ruler of the 3rd century BC, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of early Axumite royalty. A visit to Ona Negest is a journey through time, where the foundations of one of Africa’s greatest civilizations still whisper their stories.