Axum is an ancient city in the north of Ethiopia and is one of the most important cities in the history of the country. This city was the capital of the Aksumite Empire, whose architecture is recognizable primarily by the huge obelisks, which are still accepted today as a symbol of the unity of some 80 Ethiopian peoples. According to tradition, the Prophet Muhammad sent his daughter and son-in-law in 623 to take refuge in Axum from the persecution of the Pagans. When the pagans demanded that the fugitives be extradited, Emperor Atse Armah refused and protected the refugees.