Zoskales
Zoskales is an enigmatic figure referenced in the ancient Greek text "Periplus Maris Erythraei," believed to have been authored by a first-century Egyptian sea captain. He is depicted as a local ruler who governed a segment of the Red Sea coast, particularly around the port of Adulis, known today as Zula in Eritrea. While Zoskales is characterized as somewhat stingy and overly acquisitive, he is also recognized as a literate and respectable sovereign. The text mentions the trade activities at Adulis, highlighting the economic ties between this region and distant lands such as Europe and India. This portrayal is considered by many scholars to be the earliest historical reference to the ancient Ethiopian kingdom of Axum and its leadership. Some researchers attempt to connect Zoskales to a later Ethiopian ruler named Za Hakala, but this identification remains largely unsubstantiated. The presence of Greek inscriptions at Axumite archaeological sites further supports the notion that Greek was utilized within royal circles during his time. Overall, Zoskales' mention underscores the cultural and economic exchanges between the Hellenic world and ancient Ethiopia, opening a window into the complexities of early regional interactions.
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Zoskales
Related civilization: Axum
Major role/position: King
Life
The Periplus Maris Erythraei (also known as Periplus, first century c.e.; Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, 1980), a Greek geographical text probably written by an Egyptian sea captain, contains a reference to an obscure local ruler named Zoskales (ZOHS-keh-leeze). In this work, he is described as administering a portion of the Red Sea coast of Africa centered on the port of Adulis (modern Zula, Eritrea). The anonymous writer states that despite Zoskales’ reputed stinginess and acquisitiveness, he was a respectable sovereign and literate in Greek. The passage details goods imported to and exported from Adulis, illustrating its conomic connections with Europe and India. All other events or aspects of Zoskales’ reign are unknown.
Most scholars believe that this literary description of Zoskales constitutes the earliest historical reference to the ancient Ethiopian kingdom of Axum and one of its rulers. Some scholars equate Zoskales with Za Hakala, a ruler named in a later Ethiopian list of kings. However, there is little positive evidence for this identification. Considerable debate also persists concerning the territorial extent of his realm and his power within it. Many Greek inscriptions are found at Axumite archaeological sites, suggesting that the royal use of that language as portrayed in Periplus of the Erythraean Sea may be correct.
Influence
The description of Zoskales in Greek literature provides the first historical indication of the Axumite kingdom and demonstrates significant economic and cultural interaction between the Hellenic world and anicent Ethiopia.
Bibliography
Burstein, Stanley M., ed. Ancient African Civilizations: Kush and Axum. Princeton, N.J.: Markus Wiener, 1998.
Casson, L. The Periplus Maris Erythraei. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 1989.
Kobishchanov, Yuri M. Axum. Translated by L. Kapitanoff. University Park: Pennsylvania State University Press, 1979.