History
Ethiopia's history stretches back thousands of years. One of the world's oldest nations that was never colonized.
Historical Timeline
Ancient OriginsBefore 1000 BC
The Cradle of Humanity
Ethiopia is believed to be one of the earliest sites of human existence. The discovery of "Lucy" established Ethiopia as crucial for understanding human evolution.
Kingdom of D'mt980 BC - 400 BC
First Ethiopian Kingdom
The Kingdom of D'mt was an early kingdom that developed irrigation schemes and made tools and weapons of iron.
Aksumite Empire100 AD - 940 AD
A Great Ancient Power
The Kingdom of Aksum was a major trading nation and one of the four great powers of the ancient world.
Zagwe Dynasty940 AD - 1270 AD
The Rock-Hewn Churches
The Zagwe dynasty is famous for the remarkable rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
Solomonic Dynasty1270 AD - 1974 AD
Restoration of the Line
The Solomonic dynasty claimed descent from King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.
Modern Ethiopia1974 - Present
From Revolution to Republic
Following the 1974 revolution, Ethiopia established the Federal Democratic Republic in 1995.