The Ethiopians : a history / Richard Pankhurst.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Pankhurst, Richard.

Series:

Peoples of Africa

The peoples of Africa

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Ethiopia--History.

Ethiopia.

History.

Ethnology--Ethiopia.

Ethnology.

Physical Description:

xiv, 299 pages : illustrations, maps ; 23 cm.

Place of Publication:

Oxford ; Malden, Mass. : Blackwell Publishers, [2001]

Summary:

This is a history of the Ethiopians from pre-history to the present day. Drawing on research in archaeology, anthropology, linguistics and on recent historiography, the book charts the development of Ethiopian peoples and their society, placing emphasis on the African origins of Ethiopian civilization.

The book opens with a review of Ethiopian prehistory, showing how the Ethiopian section of the African Rift Valley has come to be seen as the 'cradle of humanity'. It describes, for instance, the discovery of the remains of the oldest known hominid, 'Lucy', in the middle Awash Valley, in 1974. The book then discusses Ethiopia in biblical times, reconsidering, for example, the legend of the Queen of Sheba. The author examines the various dynasties that ruled in the period up to the first Portuguese mission, and explores the subsequent political and religious struggles between Christians, Muslims and Falashas. He discusses the social and economic effects of key stages in Ethiopian history, such as the Gondar period and the era of the 'Judges'. The book also examines the succession of modernizing monarchs that followed, culminating in the rule of Emperor Haile Sellassie. The book concludes with a review of Ethiopian history and culture, considering contemporary Ethiopia within an historical context.

Contents:

1 Prehistory and Geography 1

2 Punt, Pharaohs and Ptolemies, the Aksumite Kingdom, and the Coming of Christianity 13

3 The Zagwe Dynasty, Lalibala Churches, and the Solomonic 'Restoration' 45

4 Life in the Middle Ages: Contacts with Muslim Neighbours and Far-off Christians 61

5 Ahmad ibn Ibrahim, Oromo Migration, and Ottoman Seizure of Massawa 81

6 The Move of Capital North-West and the Roman Catholic Interlude 99

7 The Rise and Fall of Gondar 109

8 The Early Nineteenth Century and the Advent of Tewodros II 131

9 Yohannes, Menilek and the European Powers 162

10 Beginnings of Modernization: Menilek, Iyasu, Zawditu and Haile Sellassie 195

11 Invasion, Occupation and Liberation 219

12 Restoration and Revolution 250.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [278]-286) and index.

ISBN:

0631224939

0631184686

OCLC:

38239234