Discovering Eritrea's past

Viac o knihe

This book introduces the historiography of Eritrea, initiated by explorers Werner Munzinger and Leo Reinisch in the late nineteenth century. It features five translated documents that illustrate their approach to the linguistic, legal, historical, and cultural studies of the region. Their scientific works highlight the richness of Eritrean society, its favorable climate, diverse languages, various ethnic groups, friendly inhabitants, and accessible geography. Following their pioneering efforts, numerous European researchers contributed to the field, alongside national documents from church archives and local chronicles, shaping Eritrean historiography. The book includes the following writings: Munzinger's studies on the Anseba Valley, geographic profiles of Halhal and Marea, customs and laws of the Bogos, and the history and traditions of Bet-Takue and Bet-Marea. Additionally, it features Reinisch's work on the origin and settlement of Bet-Tarqe, along with historical traditions of the Bogos. These texts, originally published in scientific journals and books from the 1860s and 1880s, provide valuable insights into the early understanding of Eritrea's complex heritage.