The Ethiopians: A History

Richard Pankhurst

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ethiopia's rich history

historical documentation

aksum's history

roman catholic influence in ethiopia

cultural significance

language of ethiopia

historical figures

easy engagement for beginners

broad overview of ethiopian history

succinct presentation of events

quick insights into topics

brief historical references

"The Ethiopians: A History" by Richard Pankhurst is a comprehensive survey of Ethiopia's rich history, culture, and language. It is praised for being an excellent historical documentation from reliable sources, providing readers with a true understanding of the country's story. Despite its brevity, the book covers a wide range of topics, from Aksum's history to the Roman Catholic influence in Ethiopia.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is straightforward, making it easy for beginners to engage with the material.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot is a rapid overview of Ethiopian history, presenting significant events and figures succinctly.

Setting:

The setting encompasses Ethiopia and references to its historical significance and connections to other regions.

Pacing:

The pacing is quick, providing only brief insights into many topics, which may leave readers wanting more detail.

Genres:

nonfiction

history

Topics:

historical misconceptions

cultural exploration

historical summary

western perspective

Notes:

The book summarizes Ethiopia's history rather than providing a comprehensive account.

It is ideal for beginners looking to learn about Ethiopia's past.

Ethiopia is considered the cradle of humanity and has a rich history often overlooked in the West.

Aksum, the historical name for Ethiopia, dates back to around 8 BC.

Muhammad notably excluded Ethiopia from the Jihad, impacting the rulers of that time.

Three Ethiopian rulers turned the country into a Roman Catholic society, which had severe consequences.

Some U.S. Civil War soldiers served as mercenaries in conflicts involving Ethiopia.

Adolf Hitler was the only significant leader to secretly support Ethiopia against Italian fascist invasion.

The book was published in 1998 and concludes its narrative after the 1991 revolution.

Eritrea was part of Ethiopia for many centuries before becoming its own nation.

Readers found the book valuable for understanding Ethiopia's culture and history beyond the negative stereotypes associated with poverty.

The author, Richard Pankhurst, is recognized as a leading scholar on Ethiopian history.

Despite being a summary, the book leaves readers wanting more detailed exploration of various topics.

From The Publisher:

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.

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The Ethiopians: A History?

About the Author:

Richard Pankhurst who has lived in Ethiopia for over thirty years, is Professor at the Institute of Ethiopian Studies, Addis Ababa. His most recent books include A History of Ethiopian Towns from the Middle Ages to the Early Nineteenth Century (1982) and A Social History of Ethiopia (1990), and History of the Ethiopian Borderlands: Essays in Regional History (1997).

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