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200
Kingdom of Aksum
In 200 CE, migrants from Arabia and the local population of Ethiopia combined to create the kingdom of Aksum. The Aksumite Empire was a thriving trading center with the capital in Ethiopia. It was home to Queen Sheeba and the alleged resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. This photograph is Aksumite ruins; the Aksum kingdom was a significant part of Ethiopia%u2019s ancient history because it was one of the first extremely successful kingdoms. -
316
Frumetius and the Spread of Christianity
When Frumentius first came to Ethiopia, he and his brother, Edesius, were held hostage by the monarchs, whom they converted to Christianity, along with other members of the royal court. After accompanying Edesius to Alexandria, Frumentius returned to Ethiopia. He baptized King Ezana, built churches, and became the first %u201CAbune,%u201D or head of the Ethiopian Church. This photograph depicts Frumentius. Frumentius is significant to Ethiopia because he introduced and spread Christianity in Ethiopia. -
Jan 1, 1100
Zagwe Dynasty
The Zagwe Dynasty was a prosperous era of great artistic achievements for Ethiopia. It is recognized for its rock-hewn churches. This is a photograph of an underground service at a rock-hewn church. The Zagwe Dynasty developed Ethiopia%u2019s cultural aspect of arts and architecture. -
Jan 1, 1270
Solomonic Dynasty
The Solomonic Dynasty located themselves in Ethiopia%u2019s central highlands. This resulted in the spread of the Amharic language and Christianity in the highlands. The picture portrays the Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus, drawn during the reign of the Solomonic dynasty, illustrating the spread of Christianity. The Solomonic Dynasty was a significant part of Ethiopia%u2019s history because it incorporated the highlands into the culture, while spreading language and religion. -
Jan 1, 1550
The Portuguese: Mixed Blessing
The Tigray and Amhara people, or the %u201CChristian Kingdom of Ethiopia,%u201D turned back the Muslim advance with Portuguese aid. However, Jesuit orders sought to impose Catholicism in Ethiopia through the Portuguese. This led to a civil war, and Catholics were expelled from the kingdom. This picture is a double-sided gospel leaf, created by the Tigray; the pictured side depicts the Crucifixion. The Portuguese were Ethiopia%u2019s first formal aid, ironically contributing to a civil war and expulsion. -
Addis Ababa
In 1889, Addis Ababa became Ethiopia's capital city. This picture is a map of Ethiopia, recognizing Addis Ababa, drawn in 1923. Addis Ababa is now Ethiopia's largest city and is completely urban. -
Famine
From 1983-1985, a famine in Ethiopia killed around 300,000 people. The Ethiopian government%u2019s lack of response to the crisis provoked a degrading perception of Ethiopia globally. BBC documented the famine calling it "a biblical famine in the 20th Century" and "the closest thing to hell on Earth." This picture shows a RAF plane dropping food during the famine. The famine is a significant part of Ethiopia%u2019s history not only because many people died, but Ethiopia was finally in the public eye. -
Eritrea Independence
In 1993, Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia, ending Africa%u2019s longest war. The war was triggered when Emperor Selassie annexed Eritrea in 1962. The picture of Eritrea%u2019s flag symbolizes independence. The significance of Eritrea%u2019s independence to Ethiopia is that the country had an internal dysfunction, causing a thirty year war and the beginning of a new nation.
