The Byzantine World and Persia

A collection of small states in a strategically vital region, gradually becoming Christian had major implications for both imperial powers. The Blemies were raiding into imperial territory with increasing frequency during Anastasia's reign. Imperial control was slipping south of the first cataract of the Nile where once the Romans had controlled Oasis much further south. Far to the south was the Kingdom of Axum, modern Ethiopia, another early convert to Christianity amongst the Empire's neighbors.