Welcome to this fascinating journey through time and history, centered on an incredible discovery: the Ethiopian Bible, the oldest in the world. This recently unearthed relic holds secrets that could change our understanding of history and religion. What mysteries lie hidden between these time-yellowed pages? What terrifying secrets does this unique manuscript contain? Prepare to delve into the depths of this priceless treasure.
Religious context of Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a country where religious beliefs are deeply rooted in the daily lives of its inhabitants and in the region’s millennia-old history. It is a unique spiritual crossroads where three main monotheistic religions—Christianity, Islam, and Judaism—coexist, along with traditional beliefs.
Christianity
The history of Christianity in Ethiopia begins in the 4th century when King Ezana of the Aksumite Empire, after being converted by the missionary Frumentius, decided to make Christianity the official religion of his kingdom. This adoption culturally transformed the entire empire. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church, also known as Tewahedo, developed rapidly with unique practices and rites that distinguished it from other forms of Christianity. During the Middle Ages, Ethiopian Christianity withstood external pressures and attempted invasions, particularly from Islamic forces, primarily due to its mountainous and difficult terrain and the resilience of its people.
Islam
This religion arrived in Ethiopia as early as the 7th century, when the first Muslims fleeing persecution in Mecca found refuge in the Kingdom of Aksum. This peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians constitutes another fascinating facet of Ethiopia’s religious mosaic.
Judaism
Although a minority, Judaism also has a historical presence in Ethiopia with the Beta Israel community, often called Falashas. Their origins date back to ancient times, and they practice a unique form of Judaism with traditions distinct from those of other Jewish communities. In the 20th century, many members of this community emigrated to Israel, but their roots remain deeply embedded in Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian Bible: a priceless relic
The Ethiopian Bible is considered the oldest and most complete on earth. Nestled in the highlands of northern Ethiopia, in a remote monastery, it was discovered and preserved thanks to the intervention of the Ethiopian Heritage Fund, a British charity.
Origins and discovery
The Garima Gospels are named after a monk, Abba Garima, who is said to have arrived in Ethiopia from Constantinople in 494 AD. According to legend, he copied the Gospels in a single day thanks to divine intervention that delayed sunset. These manuscripts are magnificently illustrated, and their colors, still remarkably vibrant, bear witness to the art and faith of the time. They are kept in the Garima Monastery, near Adwa, at an altitude of 2,133 meters in the Tigray Highlands.
Physical characteristics
