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Aklile Berhan Makonnen Haile Selassie Reveals Secrets of Ethiopia's Imperial Dynasty

Aklile Berhan Makonnen Haile Selassie , a self-proclaimed descendant of Ethiopia’s last emperor, has revealed details about his family history and imperial lineage. Recently released from a Swiss prison, he shared insights into his exile, identity struggles, and connection to Ethiopia’s monarchy. Key points: Imperial origins : Aklile claims to be the son of Prince Makonnen, Duke of Harar , and fled Ethiopia after the 1974 coup that overthrew Emperor Haile Selassie. Exile and survival : He escaped to Italy with the help of his maternal grandfather, Beniamino Bissirri , who legally recognized him to ensure his safety. Family legacy : His grandfather contributed to Ethiopian agriculture, introducing crops like oranges and mandarins. Personal reflections : He also spoke about his daughter, Lulù Selassie , and her relationship with Manuel Bortuzzo, expressing concerns about how external influences affected their bond. Aklile’s revelations reignite discussions about Ethiopia’s imperi...
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A sword and cloak belonging to Ras Desta Damtew, a hero of Ethiopia's resistance against Italian occupation, were listed for auction in Italy

Ras Desta was a son-in-law of Emperor Haile Selassie and was executed by Italian forces in 1937, a war crime recognized by a UN commission. Yeshimebet Kassa, Ras Desta's granddaughter, expressed that auctioning these items is offensive and painful for the family. The Ethiopian Heritage Authority (EHA) requested the cancellation of the auction, claiming the items were looted during the Italian occupation (1935-1941). The auction house, Capitolium Art, cancelled the sale after receiving the EHA's letter but did not disclose the identity of the items' owner. This incident follows a previous auction of a medal belonging to Ras Desta, which also faced backlash but went ahead without a sale due to lack of bids. The article highlights the broader challenges Ethiopia faces in reclaiming looted artefacts, particularly from private collectors. Many Ethiopian artefacts remain in private hands or foreign museums, complicating restitution efforts. The situation reflects ongoing debates ...
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Ethiopian family seeks medal’s return 87 years after grandfather’s execution

The solid gold medal is referred to as the “Imperial Order of the Star of Ethiopia” and is touted for having once belonged to Emperor Haile Selassie’s fabled son-in-law, a noble executed by Italian troops nearly 90 years ago. Yet whether the star is authentic is at the center of a heated dispute between its owner, a European medal designer who recently sought to auction it off, and the grandchildren of Ras Desta Damtew, the Ethiopian commander who is said to have worn it on his chest before he died. Continue reading...
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Human Ancestors Used Volcanic Spheres as Tools More Than One Million Years Ago

Archaeological discovery at Melka Kunture, Ethiopia, reveals early human ancestors used volcanic rock spheres as tools over one million years ago. The find highlights the intelligence and creativity of archaic hominins, countering the perception of them as unthinking brutes. Dr. Margherita Mussi reported that naturally occurring basalt spheres were repurposed as hammering, crushing, and scraping tools by species like Homo erectus and Homo heidelbergensis. The spheres were found alongside intentionally crafted tools from the Acheulean industry, dating back two million years. Researchers noted the uniqueness of these volcanic spheres, which differ from surrounding limestone-based tools. Over 30 spheres were recovered from eight sites, with significant findings at Gombore IB, dating back 1.7 million years. Evidence suggests the spheres were intentionally transported by hominins rather than naturally moved, indicating advanced resource exploitation. Mussi proposes the volcanic spheres were...
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A warning from the Lion of Judah - by REX SMITH - Substack

A warning from the Lion of Judah - by REX SMITH - Substack : The Emperor of Ethiopia , Haile Selassie , in 1970. His words from nine decades ago ring true today. (Official portrait). During the summers of my ...
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Bringing a tyrannical Ethiopian queen and her twins to life

Bringing a tyrannical Ethiopian queen and her twins to life - BBC : The production features an original Ethio-jazz score by DA Mekonnen, an Ethiopian -American musician, and Andrew Orkin - and features the Ethiopian - ...
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Restoration Or Erasure? The Debate Over Fasilides Castle And Ethiopia’s Urban Identity - The Reporter Ethiopia

Fasilides Castle is a significant historical site, with cultural and architectural importance. Tension exists between restoration efforts and preservation: some advocate for restoration, while others prefer to maintain its current state as a symbol of history. Perspectives from historians, architects, and local communities shape the discussion around the castle's fate. The issue highlights the challenges of balancing modern development with historical preservation in urban settings. The outcome of this debate may influence Ethiopia's cultural heritage and urban planning strategies. Continue Reading...
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