Ethiopia : History
There is a growing consensus among archeologists and anthropologists that the human species originated in Ethiopia. In 1994 the oldest human remains ever discovered, the 4.4 million old bones of Homo Ramidus Afarensis, were found in Ethiopias Afar region – the previous record was held by “Lucy” or “Dinkinish” (Amharic for “wonderful”), who at 3.4 million years was a relative youngster.
Ethiopia has extensive historic sites, particularly in the north of the country, where the visitor can see constructions dating from the first millennium BC, the stelae and tombs of the Axumite kings, rock hewn churches dating from the 4th century, the monasteries of Lake Tana and the 13th century monolithic rock hewn churches of King Lalibella in Wollo. In the east, the 1000 year old city of Harer, with its 99 mosques, is the fourth holiest place in Islam, after Mecca, Median and Jerusalem. South of Addis Ababa there are a number of Neolithic sites, including the 1.5-1.8 million year old site at Melka Kunture (Oromia Region) and the 400 stelae at Dilla in Sidamo (Southern Region). Elsewhere in the southern region there are remote, medieval monasteries and in Jimma, in Oromia, there is the recently resorted palace of Abba Jiffar, the last independent king of the area.
Related Travel Information
Ethiopia : General Information
Ethiopia is a land of enormous ethnic diversity, with people of Semitic, Hamitic, Nilotic and Omotic stock. There are more than 80 ethnic groups and as many languages. In terms of religion, Christians and Muslims make up approximately 40% of the population each (Christians being slightly more preponderant), the remaining 20% animists and others.
Ethiopia is just about the only country in Africa never to have been colonised, and its people have a proud tradition of fighting for their independence. The pride is justified. Ethiopia is home not only to nearly a hundred different tribes, each with its
Shopping in Ethiopia
It is better to check with government authorities or the National Museum before purchasing antiques (including Ethiopian crosses) or animal skins. Amber, biblical-story pictures, wood carvings, silver, coffee, original uniforms of Haile Selassie's army, tribal daggers, leather shields and local handicrafts. You can visit the Ethiopian Handicraft School in Addis to see craftsmen making handicrafts. Beware of some old coins: Millions of Austrian Maria Theresa thalers, all minted with a date of 1780, were produced by the Italians for use during their occupation of Ethiopia between 1935 and 1937 - the 1780 date was never changed because
Ethiopia Travel Tips
Do take along a coat and tie, as they may be needed for the good restaurants. Address people by using Mr. Mrs. or Miss preceding their first name. Don't take pictures of military installations, airports, bridges, etc. and ask permission before taking photographs of people. Don't give money to beggars; the local children may quit school to earn. You can expect beggars to thrust their hands inside your taxi if a window is open. There's not much you can do about it, however: Beggars have already removed the hand cranks used to raise and lower windows on most
Rift Valley Lakes
There are seven lakes of the Rift Valley. These lakes sits in a wide, fertile valley which runs between Addis Ababa and the Kenyan border. This is one of the best parts of Ethiopia for bird watching. Lake Lagano, lake Abiata and Lake Shala are the most popular of the seven - one lake is blue, one silver and one brown. Abiata and Shala form a designated national park, but this doesn't mean much in practice. Lake Abiata is shallow, with heaps of birds, while Lake Shala sits at the bottom of a 250m deep crater. Lagano is
The Battle of Blood River : South African History
After the Voortrekkers had failed to negotiate with the Zulus the secession of land for settling and grazing, and had endured a number of catastrophic assaults, they assembled at the Ncome River for a decisive battle. On December 16, 1838, 464 Boers under the command of Andries Pretorius defeated more than 10,000 Zulu warriors. The deeply religious Boers did not ascribe the military victory to their technically superior armaments, but interpreted it primarily as a sign of God. Before the battle, they had prayed and made a vow that if
