Our History

Ethiopia is one of the oldest nations in the world, with a rich history that stretches back to prehistoric times. The region is often referred to as the "Cradle of Humankind" due to the discovery of ancient hominid fossils, including the famous "Lucy" (Australopithecus afarensis) found in the Afar region, dating back over 3 million years.

Around the 1st century AD, the Aksumite Empire emerged as a major trading power, controlling the Red Sea trade routes and reaching its zenith between the 4th and 7th centuries. The kingdom was known for its monumental obelisks, royal tombs, and the adoption of Christianity as the state religion in the 4th century under King Ezana. The ancient city of Aksum is also believed to be the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant.

Following the decline of Aksum, Ethiopia's center of power shifted southward. The Zagwe Dynasty, ruling from the 10th to the 13th centuries, is famed for constructing the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. This era was followed by the Solomonic Dynasty, which claimed descent from the biblical King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. This period saw the expansion of Christian influence and the establishment of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church's unique traditions.

During the 16th century, Ethiopia faced invasions from the Muslim Sultanate of Adal, led by Ahmad ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi, and later from the Oromo migrations. Portuguese assistance helped Ethiopia resist the Adal invasion, marking the beginning of European interest in the region. The subsequent centuries saw intermittent contact with European powers, including missions and military assistance.

The 19th century was a time of significant change for Ethiopia. Emperor Tewodros II (reigned 1855-1868) attempted to modernize and unify the country, but faced opposition from regional lords and European powers. Emperor Menelik II (reigned 1889-1913) successfully expanded Ethiopia's borders and modernized the army, achieving a notable victory against Italy at the Battle of Adwa in 1896, ensuring Ethiopia's independence during the Scramble for Africa.

In 1935, Mussolini's Italy invaded Ethiopia, leading to a brief period of occupation from 1936 to 1941. Emperor Haile Selassie I fled to exile but garnered international support, eventually returning to power with the help of Allied forces during World War II.

Post-World War II, Haile Selassie implemented several modernization reforms, but growing dissatisfaction led to his overthrow in 1974 by a Marxist-Leninist military junta known as the Derg. The Derg, led by Mengistu Haile Mariam, established a brutal regime marked by famine and repression. The Ethiopian Civil War, along with the Eritrean War of Independence, eventually led to the Derg's downfall in 1991.

In 1991, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) took power, leading to the establishment of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The country experienced economic growth and development, but also faced challenges such as political unrest and ethnic tensions. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who took office in 2018, initiated significant reforms and efforts towards peace, including a historic peace agreement with Eritrea, for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019.