Etymology The term Ethiopia was first used by Ancient Greek writers in reference to the east-central African kingdom that they believed to be not only culturally and ethnically linked to ancient Egypt (Kemet), but the source of such civilization as well. Contrary to popular belief, the term was not exclusive to the landlocked modern country of Ethiopia. According to early Greek writers, Ethiopia was an empire originally situated between Ta-Seti in Lower Kemet and the confluence of the White and Blue Niles. Centuries later, however, the name became synonymous with a much larger region that included the present-day countries of South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, Central African Republic, Chad, etc. Ethiopia is the English transliteration of the Greek word Αιθιοπα (or Aithiopia) which originates from the Greek word Αιθιοψ or aithiops which literally means charred or burnt. Aithiops is in fact composed of αιθιω (meaning I burn) and ωψ (meaning face or complexion). Prior to Greek history, Ethiopia was known as Kush by the ancient Egyptians. The Buhen stela (housed in the Florence Museum), which dates from the reign of Sety I (1294-1279 BC), refers to this region as Kas and Kash. Kush is also mentioned as KSH in other texts dated between 1550 - 1069 BC.
Posted on: Wed, 12 Nov 2014 15:10:36 +0000
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