Around The World
Ethiopia Timeline
Travel through our timeline of major events in Ethiopia's history.
Over 4.4 Million Years Ago
Hominids, early ancestors of humans, live in what is now eastern Ethiopia. It is one of their earliest known locations.400 B.C.
The Kingdom of Aksum, in northern Ethiopia, is born. It evolves into a rich trading nation by the first century A.D.300s A.D.
Christianity becomes the official religion of the Kingdom of Aksum.1150–1270
The Zagwe Dynasty rules over the northern highlands. The kings introduce a sense of unity and stability.1300s
The Ethiopian holy book, the Kebra Negast (Glory of the Kings), is published. It describes the legendary Queen of Sheba’s visit to the court of King Solomon in Jerusalem in the 10th century B.C.1888–1892
The Kefu Qan (Evil Days), one of Ethiopia’s most severe famines, is triggered by a cattle plague and drought.1896
Ethiopians defeat Italy in the Battle of Adwa. It is the first time Africans defeat a European power’s attempt to conquer land.
GETTY IMAGES
1930
Haile Selassie is crowned emperor. During his reign, slavery is abolished and Ethiopia begins to modernize. Coffee becomes a major crop and export.
ALFRED EISENSTAEDT—TIME & LIFE PICTURES/GETTY IMAGES
1936–1941
Italy occupies Ethiopia. Haile Selassie forms an alliance with Britain. In 1941, Ethiopian and British forces drive Italian forces out of Addis Ababa.1974
The military pushes Haile Selassie out and ends the monarchy. A harsh socialist state is established.1998–2000
A border war between Ethiopia and Eritrea costs over 70,000 lives. A peace agreement is eventually reached.
EMMANUEL GOUJON—GETTY IMAGES