Where Ancient meets Modern: Ethiopia and Eritrea

Part 1: The Historical Background The story of Ethiopia and Eritrea is deeply rooted in ancient history, with the region tracing its significance back to the land of Punt, a mysterious and revered place by the ancient Egyptians. Known as the "Land of the Gods," Punt (likely located in present-day Eritrea and Somalia) was a hub of wealth and trade, essential to the Egyptians. This ancient land provided gold, incense, perfume, and other luxurious goods, helping to shape an early connection across the Red Sea that would influence the development of the Aksumite Empire. The Aksumite Kingdom, which emerged around the 1st century AD in what is now Ethiopia and Eritrea, was one of the great civilizations of the ancient world. Its strategic location allowed it to become a powerful trading center linking Africa, Arabia, and the Mediterranean. The people of Aksum traded ivory, gold, and other valuable goods with Egypt, the Roman Empire, and India. The kingdom is also renowned for the m...