early Sigd celebrations! November 19, 2025

Photographer: Mor Ganon

The Ethiopian Empire (Abyssinia): An In-Depth Analysis of Africa’s Longest-Lasting Civilization

Introduction: Ethiopia – The Unconquered African Power

The Ethiopian Empire (Abyssinia, c. 1270 CE – 1974 CE) was one of the oldest and most powerful civilizations in African history. Unlike most African nations, Ethiopia remained unconquered during the era of European colonialism, maintaining its sovereignty and defeating European invaders in battle. Its rich history, rooted in the Axumite Kingdom, developed into a powerful empire that shaped African and world history.

From a Garveyite perspective, the Ethiopian Empire is crucial because it represents:

Black military resistance – Ethiopia defeated European colonizers and remained free from direct rule.

Black religious and cultural identity – Ethiopia was one of the first Christian nations but maintained strong African traditions.

Black governance and sovereignty – Ethiopia was an empire led by African rulers for nearly 700 years.

Ethiopia stands as a symbol of Black resilience, resistance, and self-rule, showing that African nations were never destined to be colonized.

1. The Origins of the Ethiopian Empire

A. From Axum to the Ethiopian Empire

The Ethiopian Empire was a continuation of the ancient Kingdom of Axum (100 CE – 940 CE), which was one of the most powerful African civilizations.

After the decline of Axum, Ethiopia went through periods of fragmentation until the Solomonic Dynasty (1270 CE) united the country under a single empire.

Ethiopian rulers are descent from the biblical King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, reinforcing their legitimacy and spiritual authority.

Example: Ethiopian rulers believed they were the keepers of the Ark of the Covenant, linking them to Judeo-Christian traditions.

Key Takeaway: Africa had powerful kingdoms that ruled for thousands of years, evolving into empires that resisted external domination.

B. The Role of Christianity in Ethiopian Identity

Ethiopia was one of the first Christian nations in the world, adopting Christianity as early as 330 CE, before most of Europe.

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church became a central part of the empire’s governance, culture, and resistance against Islamization and European influence.

Unlike European Christianity, Ethiopian Christianity retained African traditions, symbols, and rituals, proving that Christianity in Africa developed independently.

Example: The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, carved from solid rock in the 12th century, symbolize Ethiopia’s unique blend of African and Christian identity.

Key Takeaway: Ethiopia’s religious history is African, not a colonial import—it was developed by Africans for Africans.

2. The Political and Military Power of Ethiopia

A. A Centralized Empire with a Strong Monarchy

Ethiopia was ruled by an absolute monarchy, with the Emperor (Negus or Negusa Nagast) holding supreme authority.The empire was divided into provinces ruled by local governors, ensuring stability across vast territories.

The Ethiopian Empire successfully resisted external invasions from Arab, Ottoman, and later European powers.

Example: The Ethiopian emperors maintained diplomatic relations with major powers, including the Byzantine Empire and later European nations.

Key Takeaway: African governance was strong and effective, contradicting colonial myths of “tribal” leadership.

B. Ethiopia’s Military Victories Against Colonial Powers

The Battle of Adwa (1896 CE): Ethiopia, led by Emperor Menelik II, defeated Italy, making it the only African nation to successfully resist European colonization.

Ethiopia maintained a strong, well-equipped army that used modern weapons, diplomacy, and strategy to protect its independence.

Even when Italy invaded again in 1935, Ethiopia led a resistance movement that inspired global anti-colonial struggles.

Example: Ethiopia’s victory at Adwa inspired Pan-African movements, proving that African nations could defeat European invaders.

Key Takeaway: Military strength is crucial for Black sovereignty—Ethiopia’s success shows that Africa was never defenseless.

3. The Economic and Cultural Power of Ethiopia

A. Control Over Trade and Resources

Ethiopia controlled key trade routes in the Red Sea, connecting Africa to Arabia, India, and the Mediterranean.

The empire was self-sufficient in agriculture, producing coffee, teff (used to make injera), and livestock.

Ethiopia developed its own currency, economy, and industries, proving that African nations did not need European intervention.

Example: Ethiopia was one of the few African states that exported its goods without European middlemen controlling the trade.

Key Takeaway: Africa’s economies were independent before colonization, and Ethiopia is proof of that self-reliance.

B. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church and African Spirituality

Ethiopia’s Orthodox Church retained many African spiritual traditions, including the use of Ge’ez (an ancient African language) in religious texts.

Unlike European Christianity, Ethiopian Christianity emphasized Black identity, African saints, and self-rule over religious matters.

The Church played a major role in unifying Ethiopia, resisting Islamic expansion and later European missionary influences.

Example: The Ethiopian Orthodox Church was never controlled by the Vatican or European churches, proving that African Christianity remained independent.

Key Takeaway: Ethiopia’s religious and cultural institutions were Black-led and remained untouched by colonialism.

4. The Impact of Ethiopia on Pan-Africanism and Black Liberation

A. Ethiopia as a Symbol of African Resistance

Ethiopia’s independence inspired Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, and other Pan-African leaders who saw it as a model for Black liberation.

The Rastafari movement emerged in Jamaica, seeing Emperor Haile Selassie I as a divine figure who represented Black strength and self-rule.

Ethiopia hosted African liberation movements, helping anti-colonial fighters across Africa gain independence.

Example: In 1963, Ethiopia hosted the formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which later became the African Union (AU).

Key Takeaway: Ethiopia has been the heart of African resistance and self-determination for centuries.

B. Haile Selassie I and Modern Ethiopian Leadership

Emperor Haile Selassie I (1930–1974) was a global leader who fought against Italian fascism and called for African unity.

He advocated for Pan-Africanism, believing that African nations should work together to protect their sovereignty.

Though his reign ended in 1974, his influence on Black consciousness remains strong worldwide.

Example: Haile Selassie’s speech at the United Nations in 1963 influenced Bob Marley’s song “War”, which became a rallying cry for Black liberation.

Key Takeaway: Ethiopia was a leader in global Black liberation movements, not just an isolated African nation.

5. The Decline of the Ethiopian Empire and Its Lasting Legacy

A. The End of the Monarchy (1974)

In 1974, Haile Selassie was overthrown in a military coup, leading to Ethiopia becoming a socialist state.

The fall of the monarchy marked the end of Africa’s last major traditional empire but did not erase Ethiopia’s legacy of resistance.

Today, Ethiopia remains one of Africa’s strongest nations, maintaining a unique identity in global politics.

Example: Even after the monarchy fell, Ethiopia remained one of the few African nations never fully controlled by European powers.

Key Takeaway: Ethiopia’s legacy continues as a symbol of Black strength and self-determination.

6. The Garveyite Vision: Rebuilding Ethiopia’s Legacy

Africa must reclaim its independence, just as Ethiopia resisted colonial rule.

Black people must unite under Pan-Africanism, following Ethiopia’s leadership in African self-rule.

We must study Ethiopia’s economic and military success to rebuild strong Black nations.

We must honor Ethiopia’s spiritual traditions and reject colonial distortions of African history.

Final Thought: Will We Follow Ethiopia’s Example?

Marcus Garvey said:

“Look to Africa, where a Black king shall be crowned, for the day of deliverance is near!”

Will Black people continue to submit to colonial narratives, or reclaim their own history?

Will we remain divided, or unite under African sovereignty like Ethiopia?

In the 1st Dec 24 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:

Triple amputee IDF soldier walks out of hospital.

Latest Israeli medical innovations incorporate touch, smell and sound.

An Israeli startup recycles warn-out electric car batteries.

A new Israeli solution that can repair damaged coral reefs.

Two new non-stop Israeli airline services from Tel Aviv to the UK.

Good news for consumers of no-cow milk and no-fish salmon.

An Israeli duo won gold at the European wheelchair dance championships.

An Israeli girl on a hike unearthed a 3,500-year-old Egyptian amulet.

Read More: Good News from Israel

Following Thanksgiving Day in the USA (and Brazil), this edition of Israel's positive news takes the opportunity to thank all those highlighted in this newsletter and in previous ones. Especially: - The brave IDF soldiers, reservists, and their families - Volunteers, donors, spokespeople, and our friends overseas - Doctors, nurses, EMTs, trauma specialists, social workers, etc.  - Israelis who persist with tasks and innovations to benefit all of humanity - Those who tirelessly strive to strengthen the Jewish State, and its ultimate protector.

To all the above, and all who support Israel, especially in its time of need - Thank You!