Ethiopia

Overview

Although the visitor may find a sophisticated tourist infrastructure lacking, this could be an unexpected boon as it is unlikely they will have to share the wonders of the country with many others. This might seem slightly out of place as anyone making the trip to Ethiopia will be able to see some outstanding examples of ancient architecture and the natural world. The latter are Lake Tana, the Blue and White Niles and the Simien Mountains, without overlooking part of the Great Rift Valley, which crosses the country. These features are home to a host of birdlife, the life source of the Egypt delta after crashing over the Blue Nile Falls, the allure of lakes abounding in wildlife and the continent's fourth highest peak, Ras Pashan.

Seeing the spectacular remains throughout the country sometimes involves climbing and exciting walks, but the rewards are bountiful. The monastery of Debre Damo in Axum, reachable only by rope, the St. Mary of Zion Cathedral, apparent home of the Ark of the Covenant, the city of Gondar with its many castles and the wall encircled city of Harer are amongst the cultural attractions. Sailing, canoeing and especially trekking are all possible and allow better exploration of the mountains, lakes and rivers.

History

Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa and one of the oldest in the world. Herodotus the Greek historian of the fifth century B.C. describes ancient Ethiopia in his writings. The Old Testament of the Bible records the Queen of Sheba's visit to Jerusalem. According to legend Menelik I the son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba founded the Ethiopian Empire. Missionaries from Egypt and Syria introduced Christianity in the fourth century A.D. Following the rise of Islam in the seventh century Ethiopia was gradually cut off from European Christendom. The Portuguese established contact with Ethiopia in 1493 primarily to strengthen their hegemony over the Indian Ocean and to convert Ethiopia to Roman Catholicism. There followed a century of conflict between pro- and anti-Catholic factions resulting in the expulsion of all foreign missionaries in the 1630s. This period of bitter religious conflict contributed to hostility toward foreign Christians and Europeans which persisted into the 20th century and was a factor in Ethiopia's isolation until the mid-19th century.

Under the Emperors Theodore II (1855-68) Johannes IV (1872-89) and Menelik II (1889-1913) the kingdom began to emerge from its medieval isolation. When Menelik II died his grandson Lij Iyassu succeeded to the throne but soon lost support because of his Muslim ties. He was deposed in 1916 by the Christian nobility and Menelik's daughter Zewditu was made empress. Her cousin Ras Tafari Makonnen (1892-1975) was made regent and successor to the throne.

In 1930 after the empress died the regent adopting...more