Axum and Ye Shall Receive: The Synod of Axum, 480 CE
The incense is still fresh, the ink barely dry, and the empire of Axum is on the brink of transformation.
In the late 5th century, the Christian Aksumite Empire is an emerging power in the world — trading with Byzantium, influencing culture in the Horn of Africa, and navigating complicated spiritual and political dynamics. Rooted in indigenous tradition and Alexandrian Christianity, Aksum stands at the threshold of creating its own future — and the Synod of Axum is where the future starts.
You will all be playing the roles of religious leaders, royal officials, scholars, merchants, and others, who have come together to argue over the character of Aksumite Christianity, the degree of foreign influence there will be, and how best to maintain cultural independence in an evolving world. This is not a debate of whose doctrine is "correct" — this is a fight for unity, identity, and authority. Whether you believe in monastic independence, diplomatic loyalty, or an African definition of religion peculiar to the continent, each decision will dictate the empire's legacy.
With its own mechanics of land governance, interfaith diplomacy, and legal reform, the Synod of Axum is a place of negotiation — not denunciation. Bring with you your strategy, your tact, and your respect. The soul of the empire is yours to shape.
Isaac Yoo
Chair
Isaac is a fourth-year from Dallas, Texas, majoring in Economics and History. After CD’ing and chairing two ChoMUN committees in the past, he’s thrilled to be back for another round — armed with a gavel and a ever-growing collection of unwanted placards. Most recently, he was a CD for Shaka Shock: Shaka Zulu’s Council at ChoMUN XXVIII.
In his free time, Isaac loves watching live sports (football, basketball, hockey, baseball, etc) and listening to rock music. He is incredibly excited to see how the delegates navigate this committee. If you have any questions, please reach out at isaacyoo@uchicago.edu.
Mitchell Hanson
Crisis Director
Mitchell is a fourth-year majoring in Economics with a specialization in Data Science, hailing from Burr Ridge, Illinois. Having been an AC and CD the past two years for ChoMUN, he is excited for his last ChoMUN experience to be his best! Previously, Mitchell was a Crisis Director for Shaka Shock: Shaka Zulu’s Council at ChoMUN XXVIII.
Outside of MUN, he is the treasurer of Kababayan, UChicago’s Filipino-American student organization (Kumusta!), and a co-founder of Derivatives of Data Science, a student organization made by and for students who want their resume to look more legit. In his free time, Mitchell tries his best to see as many movies as possible, occasionally rock climbs, and plays a lot of Tetris.
If you have any questions at all, reach out to Mitchell at mitchellh@uchicago.edu.
D’Jhanir Harris Smith
CRISIS DIRECTOR
D’Jhanir is a third-year Economics and Public Policy Major from our very own nation’s capital, Washington D.C. Prior to this ChoMUN session, D’Jhanir has been very active in MUN-related activities for his college career, through competing on the UChicago Team and being a Chair for Shaka Shock: Shaka Zulu’s Council at ChoMUN XXVIII.
Outside of MUN, you can catch D’Jhanir in all things Nintendo and music, as he dedicates a lot of his time smashing his friends with some sweet, sweet Kendrick Lamar in the background.
As always, D’Jhanir is excited to see how delegates will survive the 4-day April experience, and if delegates will give him the thumbs up or the thumbs down. Reach out with any questions at dahs@uchicago.edu!
Secretariat oversight:
Anna Hatchikian, Under-secretary-general