The Ethiopians

Drawing on the latest archaeological research, a brief and comprehensive guide to the ancient Ethiopian world.

Ethiopia has captured the imagination of observers since ancient times. This book provides a fresh perspective on Ethiopian history up to 1500, beginning with the Aksumite civilization at the start of the Common Era. It revisits famous stories like the legend of the Queen of Sheba, examines the rise and fall of Aksum, explores the role of Muslims and Islam in Ethiopian society, and highlights the architectural wonders of Lalibela's rock-hewn churches.

Focusing on the Golden Age of the early Solomonic rulers, the book incorporates the most recent scholarship to present a clearer and more nuanced understanding of this rich history than ever before.

Steven Kaplan is associate fellow of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences. For over thirty-five years he taught African studies and comparative religion at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. His books include Ethiopia: History, Culture and Challenges.