Some important dates
in the history of Ethiopia		 Free re-viewing
of the Hidden Empire
Before Christ: At Addis Ababa airport, a 250-seat cinema
(admission free) has continuous performances
of films about the various aspects of the
Hidden Empire.
3000 The name Ethiopia, meaning "land of the burnt faces" is already known to the world, the country itself still a mystery.
1000 Immigrants from Southern Arabia settle on the coast of Eritrea, found their great trading stations. The Queen of Sheba travels to Jerusalem to visit King Solomon "with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold and precious stones". Some notable books
about Ethiopia
975 Menelik I, first Emperor of Ethiopia, son of Sheba and Solomon, is born. His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I is the 255th monarch of this line.
After Christ:
100-300 The . great kingdom of Axum is founded and flourishes, described as one of the four great kingdoms of the world.
325-350 King Ezana rules the Axumite kingdom at its peak. Like his contemporary, the Emperor Constantine, he is converted to Christianity. Ezana and his peoples hear the Christian message from Frumentius, a Syrian who is later consecrated by St. Athanasius, becomes first bishop of Ethiopia, is canonized and named Abbe Salama, The Father of Peace.
1137 The Zagwe Dynasty rules, and King Lalibeia orders the construction of 11 monolithic rock churches, still worshipped in today.
1434-1468 The Emperor Zara Yacob establishes diplomatic relations with the West, and the world remembers Ethiopia which, in the words of the historian Gibbon, "had slept a thousand years, forgetful of the world by whom they were forgotten".
1541 Christopher Da Game, son of the famous explorer, arrives in Massawa with a small army, to help the Emperor in his battle against the Muslims.
1632-1667 King Fasilidas builds the fabled castles of Gondar then capital of Ethiopia.
1813-1847 King Sahle Selassie, great-grandfather of the Emperor Haile Selassie I, rules as King of Shoe, prophesies that his children and great-grandchildren will be crowned in Addis Ababa and rule there.
1889 Sahle Selassie's prophecy comes true, with the coronation of the Emperor Menelik II in Addis Ababa, the "New Flower'.
1896 The Italian forces are defeated by the Ethiopians at the Battle of Adua.
1918 The great Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway link is inaugurated.
1930 On the death of the Empress Zauditu, the 37 -year old Regent, Haile Selassie, is proclaimed Emperor, his coronation ceremony attended by foreign powers from all over the world.
1931 The Emperor issues his famous decree against slavery.
1936-1940 The Imperial family enter exile during the years of the Italian occupation of Ethiopia. The Emperor makes his famous plea for help before the League of Nations in Geneva.
1941 On the 20th January, the Emperor returns to his country, the Fascist forces are driven back and four months later, the people of Addis Ababa welcome their ruler in their midst again.
1946 Foundation of Ethiopian Airlines. The Hidden Empire is now linked with the world.
1952 Eritrea-Ethiopia Federation.
1963 First Conference of the African countries in Addis Ababa. Inauguration of the Organization of African Unity (O.A.U.).
1971 25th Anniversary of Ethiopian Airlines.

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