The Ethiopians

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

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 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 modernising monarchs that followed, culminating in the rule of Emperor Haile Selassie.

The book concludes with a review of Ethiopian history and culture, considering contemporary Ethiopia within a historical context.