Ethiopia is one of the oldest countries in the world. This book traces the country's expansion southward during medieval times, its resistance to Muslim invasion, and, under energetic leaders, its defense of its independence during the European scramble for Africa. The author is concerned not only with kings, princes and politicians but also includes insights on daily life, art, architecture, religion, culture, customs and observations by travelers.

Ethiopia is one of the oldest countries in the world. This book traces the country's expansion southward during medieval times, its resistance to Muslim invasion, and, under energetic leaders, its defense of its independence during the European scramble for Africa. The author is concerned not only with kings, princes and politicians but also includes insights on daily life, art, architecture, religion, culture, customs and observations by travelers.

There are many books on individual countries of the Horn, but this one is unique in treating the region as a whole, stressing interactions among as well as within Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia and, in turn, their relations with neighbouring regions of Africa and the Middle East. The author summarizes the history of the region from earliest times to the 19th century and then concentrates on Russian and American involvements.