THE ETHIOPIANS, lost civilizations

202pp., colour illus., maps, hardback, d.w., Reaktion Books, London, 2025

ISBN: 9781836391029

A history of Ethiopia, beginning with the Aksumite civilisation at the start of the Common Era up to 1500, that draws on the later archaeological research.

"The Ethiopians provides a truly revelatory overview of Ethiopia until 1500 that spans epochs and disciplines. Steven Kaplan artfully synthesizes recent research about the Ethiopian past, simultaneously narrating both new historical perspectives and shaping a critical historiography." Kay Kaufman Shelemay, Harvard University

"This incisive volume is one we have been waiting for. In this excellent introduction to the ancient and “medieval” history of Ethiopia from the legend of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba to the end of the Middle Ages, Steven Kaplan has traced a clearly delineated and freshly interpreted path across the millennia. The Ethiopians is a concise synthesis of current scholarship and a welcome reinterpretation of what has been previously accepted, time and again providing innovative and compelling interpretations that offer wide-ranging food for thought for the current and future generations devoted to the study of the highlands. This book is full of valuable insights for experts, but will also greatly enhance the understanding of the history of the region and its highly diverse populations for readers with no previous knowledge. Essential reading." Michael Gervers, Professor of History, University of Toronto

Steven Kaplan is Associate Fellow of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences. For over thirty-five years he taught African studies and comparative religion at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. His books include Ethiopia: History, Culture and Challenges.