History of Ethiopia and the Horn

Unit One: Introduction to History (3 Hours)

Nature and Uses of History

Nature of History: Derived from Greek word istoria, meaning "learning through enquiry". Herodotus is regarded as the father of history.

Uses of History:

• Understand the present and provide a sense of identity.
• Promote tolerance and critical skills.
• Serve as a foundational background for other disciplines.

Sources and Methods of Historical Study

Primary Sources: Original documents and artifacts from the past, e.g., manuscripts, photographs, fossils.

Secondary Sources: Interpretations and analyses of primary sources, e.g., books, articles.

Use of oral traditions for non-literate societies.

Unit Two: Peoples and Cultures (4 Hours)

Human Evolution

Evidence points to East African Rift Valley as the cradle of humanity; key fossils include Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis).

Neolithic Revolution

Transition from hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities.

Important agricultural sites in Ethiopia include Emba-Fakeda and Lalibela.

Languages

Classification into Afro-Asiatic and Nilo-Saharan language families, highlighting linguistic diversity (90 languages).

Economic Formations

Indigenous religions, trade relationships, and social structures influenced by economic needs.

Unit Three: Politics, Economy, and Society up to the 13th Century (6 Hours)

Emergence of States

Importance of sedentary agriculture in state formation; examples include ancient Egyptian contacts.

Ancient States

Punt, Da'amat, and Aksum: Characteristics, trade practices, economic formations.

Aksum: Major port cities and trade routes; introduction of coinage under various