ETHIOPIA- CRADLE OF HUMAN KIND 

INTRODUCTION TO ETHIOPIA

Ethiopia lies between the Equator and the tropic of Capricorn. Its area is 1,112,000 square kilometres. Most parts of it are elevated plateau rising from 2100-4620 meters. It is divided in to climate regions marked as highlands, midland, lowlands and the peculiar “Danakil depression” which at some point’s mountains, imposing peaks, alluring and glamorous gorges, ravishing tablelands, verdant pasture-lands, luxuriant tropical regions and the magnificent Rift valley are some of its physical formations.

Independent for three millennia, Ethiopia has survived dynamic historic changes and is the birthstone of great endogenous civilizations.

Today's Ethiopia was once in control over the entire East African territory. At that time it was a world-famous influential powerhouse with absolute control over the Red Sea, Indian Ocean trade routes and South Arabian countries. Ethiopia is a country of variety, extremes, uniqueness, freedom, colourful culture, religions, legends, natural beauty and much more. Ethiopia is easily found in the area called the horn of Africa. Ethiopia shares boundaries with Kenya, Sudan, Somalia, Djibouti and Eritrea.

Ethiopia ranks second in Africa for population size. With close to 75 million people, Ethiopia hosts about 80 different tribal groups with 200 dialects, all of which speak different languages and have their own cultural codes. The cultural variety, which is a result of immense tribal differences, can be seen among the individual tribes. Rich in culture and a variety of dialects, Ethiopia prides itself on being the only nation in Africa to have its own language (Amharic) and alphabet (Ge'ez).

Ethiopia was the first country to adopt Christianity and built a church on African soil at Axum. Christianity crossed the border in the 4th Century AD during the time of the Axumite kingdom in the time of the two twin brothers King Abreha (Ezana) and Atsbeha (Saizana).

The church in Axum Shelters the original Ark of the Covenant brought from Israel by King Menelik I of Ethiopia. In addition it is here that the famous pre-Axumite obelisks stand. It is believed that the erection of these obelisks dates back to 300-200 BC. The tallest (33m) has fallen down; the second (27m) was stolen by the Italians during their occupation and returned back and now it is erected back on its original place, the third (23m) still stands.

Ethiopia is considered to be the original home of humankind. The 1974 discovery of Lucy, locally called Dinkinesh (meaning “Wonderful”), asserts this as true.

The 12th-century town of Lalibela, located in north-west Ethiopia, has been home to the extraordinarily carved rock-hewn churches since the reign of King Lalibela. These eleven rock-hewn churches are sometimes referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. Gondar, the town of castles and the 17th century Ethiopian capital(served us a capital of Ethiopia for at least 250 years), has great historical significance.

It was here that King Fasiladas relocated the former capital. The best example of a medieval-period church is that of Debre Berhan Selassie, which adds to Gondar's charm.