American World Traveler Winter 2017-18 Issue

Ethiopia: The Cradle of Civilization
by Olivia Balsinger
Known as the cradle of civilization,
Ethiopia certainly has a prolific nickname
to live up to—especially as it is
dually the oldest independent country in
Africa and one of the oldest in the world.
From its capital of Addis Ababa to its historical
route that winds itself through much of
the country’s natural beauty, it would be difficult
to visit Ethiopia without feeling a surge
of connectivity to the human race. After all, it
is in Ethiopia where one of mankind’s oldest
common relatives, Lucy, was found in Hadar,
Ethiopia (and today can be viewed by the
public at the National Museum of Ethiopia in
Addis Ababa!) You cannot visit Ethiopia without
trying the national dish of Ethiopia, a
sourdough-risen flatbread known as injera—
or without taking part in an Ethiopian coffee
ceremony, a daily ritual (with delicious coffee!)
that is a mark of Ethiopian hospitality.
Ethiopia is certainly unique in its wealth of
culture, history, religion and nature.
Ethiopian Airlines invites travelers to experience
its country through the gateway of its
capital, Addis Ababa. Addis Ababa is located
in the Ethiopian highlands, and plays a
significant role in the nation's diplomatic and
political relations. Home of the African
Union, as well as important branches of the
United Nations, and even more to nearly
every foreign embassy from around the
world, Addis Ababa is not only the official
capital of Ethiopia, but also considered the
informal capital of the entire African continent.
It's elevation at 2355m gives the city a
lovely, temperate climate -- comparatively a
little cooler than other neighboring cities in
the region. And while it is mainly used as the
initial point of arrival for visitors seeking to
explore Ethiopia, quality accommodations,
delicious restaurants, and an urban, bustling
vibe are reasons enough to reserve a couple
of days on your itinerary to become
acquainted.
Axum is located in the northern part of
Ethiopia in the Tigris region. It is by far the
most prominent site on the Ethiopian historic
route, as it used to be the center of the most
known ancient kingdom in the world, The
Axumite Kingdom. Axum was established in
the 1st Century A.D and lasted until the 7th
Century A.D. The old Axum today is a small
town of great archaeological antiquities
which are represented by single blocks of
Axumite obelisks, elite under ground ombs,
palaces, stone inscriptions and coins—all
which depict advancement of the Axumite
kingdom in the area of architecture and construction
technology.
Gondar remains as the center of unique civilization
in Ethiopian Highlands and is yet
another beautiful medieval capital in the
famous historic route of Ethiopia. Gondar
was established as the first permanent capital
city--in contrast with the traditional mobile
capital. Gondar served as a pivotal center of
politics, trade, art and religion for over 263
years. This political position Gondar enjoyed
throughout its history transformed not only
the political geography, but also transformed
the city itself into a great historical complex.
Lake Tana in Bahir Dar, is more tropical in its
ambiance, which quite unusual for a highlands
city. Lake Tana, Ethiopia's largest lake
and the source of the Blue Nile River, is dotted
with some 37 islands. Most of these
islands are home to churches and monasteries
dating back to the thirteenth and fourteenth
centuries AD. The churches and
monasteries are home to the Ethiopian
Orthodox Tradition, codified well in the age
old leather books and iconographic work.
www.ethiopia.travel