Axumite language (Ge'ez)

The Axumite language, primarily Ge'ez, is an ancient South Semitic language once spoken in the Kingdom of Aksum (modern Ethiopia and Eritrea). It is a classical language primarily used for religious texts, liturgy, and inscriptions, much like Latin in medieval Europe. Today, Ge'ez is considered a liturgical language for Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo and Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Churches, meaning it’s used in religious ceremonies and writings but not as a daily spoken language. Its script influenced many modern Ethiopian and Eritrean languages, serving as a foundation for their alphabets.