The ancient town of Aksum was once ruled by the most powerful kingdom between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia. Now, it is a popular tourist town and religious center. More than 120 tall, granite obelisks, or pillars, stand or lie broken in the central square. The tallest of them once stood at 110 feet high. Some of the obelisks feature inscriptions or door- and window-like shapes. (ANDREW HOLT—GETTY IMAGES)