Ethiopia's rich history predates the Old Testament

Overview: What sites and sounds does one experience on a tour of Ethiopia's ancient cities? Use this article to introduce your students to an ancient culture with which they may not be familiar. Have groups of students seek out other ancient empires of Africa and research their contributions to world history.

Have students read the CNNfyi.com article "Ethiopia: Land of wonder and religious tradition," and answer the following questions:

1. Locate the modern nation of Ethiopia on a world map. What ancient city, located in what is now Ethiopia, was the first to adopt Christianity? For what legend is Aksum (also spelled "Axum") famous? Who was Menelik? What is the Arc of the Covenant? Where do Axumites believe the Arc of the Covenant rests today? How is it protected?

2. How old are the monolithic churches of Lalibela? What makes these churches unique? Who built these churches? What is the legend surrounding their construction? What two types of churches exist at Lalibela? What is a "rockhewn" structure? What do the churches in each of the two main groups symbolize? Describe some of the features of the Lalibela churches. How do the modern accommodations in the area mimic the ancient structures?

3. What was Ethiopia's first permanent capital? Who founded this capital, and when? For what structure did King Fasilida become known? What other structures are notable reminders of Gondar's history?

4. Share this quote from African historian Dr. John Henrik Clarke with your class: "History is a clock that people use to tell their political and cultural time of day." Generate a class discussion about this quote and what students have learned about the political and cultural "time" of ancient Ethiopia. Next, divide the class into small groups. Challenge each group to take on another of Africa's ancient empires, such as the Ghana, Mali, Nubia, Zulu, or Songhai, and conduct research to learn more about its history. Have each group make a formal presentation of its findings. Groups should relate the important events and achievements of their civilizations to others around the world at similar periods in time. Discuss ancient African contributions to the "clock" that is the human story.