Ethiopia the original cradle of Human being is globally known for the Australopithecus African, “Lucy”, who is the remote human ancestor known not only for her incredible age but also for her incredible anatomy, which proved that our ancestors started to walk prior to developing bigger brain.

The country, which is often referred as “the land of Legends”, possesses a history connected with the legendary Queen of Sheba, who went to Jerusalem in order to visit the Wise king of Israel, King Solomon.

After her stay in Jerusalem, she gave birth to Menilik I, who founded the Solomonic Dynasty in Ethiopia. He’s also the one who brought the Ark of the Covenant to Ethiopia, which is found in its last resting place, St. Mary Church of Axum.

Ethiopia is a land of contrast with mountain massifs in the north exceeding 4000 mts where in the same circuit, found deep rivers and big lakes like the Blue Nile, Tekezze and many more. The western part has a descended plateau covered with vegetation of several kinds and in the eastern part, the Danakil depression, which is 115 mts below sea level, is a desert with active volcanoes and salt lakes.

The ancient Axumite Empire which dates back to 300 AD was very strong and controlled a vast empire including Yemen, where the empire possessed its own coins and written languages.

King Susenyous was the first Axumite king to convert to Christianity in 300 AD and made Ethiopia among the ancient Christian States.

When the Axumite Empire declines, the Zagwe Dynasty was in power. The Dynasty constructed several monuments including the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, which is recorded as the eight wonder of the world and still used for worship. The whole city of Lalibela is considered as a work of sculpture dedicate to the glory of God.

After the decline of the Zagwe Dynasty, it was only emperor Fassiledas (1632-1667) of Gondar, who made a significant development in the religious and modern architecture of the country.

In modern History of Ethiopia, there are several kings who played a significant role in the development and unification of Ethiopia. Among these; Tewodros II or “King of Kings”, made a remarkable struggle for the unification of Ethiopia. Refusing to surrender to the England military force, he committed suicide at Megdela in 1868. The other important figure was Menilik II, who founded Addis Ababa in 1886 and played a determined role in defeating the Italians at the battle of Adwa.

The last king of the Solomonic Dynasty, Emperor Haile Sellasie has ruled Ethiopia for almost half a century.

Ethiopia, which offers the whole package for visitors, is a land of Christian civilization, ancient archeological records, a rock art which dates back to 10,000 years, providing precious glimpse into the Stone Age’s socio economic, religious and artistic life, the complex architecture of the then period and several extraordinary facts.

The former Abyssinia and the present Ethiopia, is a multi ethnic state, where each group has a special characteristics making the country a land of contrast with diverse culture and contrasting people, where each can be of great interest for the study of human being.