Ethiopia in the Sky with Diamonds
In Africa, Ethiopia’s historical pedigree is second only to that of Egypt. The country claims a history going back 5,000 years. Addis Ababa is Ethiopia’s capital city. Addis Ababa means New Flower and its foundation is credited to Queen Taitu -consort to Menelik II. Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake is the source of the Blue Nile. The lake is dotted with 37 islands hosting some enthralling 13th century churches, monasteries, monuments and archaeological treasures. Of particular interest, is Dek Stephanos, which has a treasury of priceless religious icons, and is the burial place of several medieval emperors, including Yekuno Amlak and Fasilidas.
Still to the east of the country, in the Afar region, the banks of Awash River make an important pre historic and archaeological site. This is where the hominid ‘Lucy’, -believed to be the missing link between man and his ape ancestors was excavated. Recent findings in neighbouring Kenya have however come to challenge this position. The local name of the hominid is Dinknesh -meaning “thou art wonderful”. Lucy is the fun name given to her by the scientists who found her, after the Beatles song “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”. Lucy is preserved at the National Museum of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_84239_29.html Author: Andrew Muigai Photo S. Kalscheur
