http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/sandamichaela-2131915-ethiopia4/

*

Addis Ababa (the name means 'new flower') is of fairly recent origin - Menelik II founded the city in 1887 but is an important administrative centre not only for Ethiopia but also for the whole of Africa. Situated in the foothills of the Entoto Mountains and standing 2,400 metres above sea level it is the third highest capital in the world. The city has a population of about four million. Menelik II Mausoleum was built by Empress Zewditu in 1917. It houses the remains of the Emperor, his spouse and his daughter, Empress Taytu and his daughter, Empress Zawditu, respectively

Menelik II (1844-1913), is the emperor of Abyssinia (1889-1910) who established independence from Italy (he defeated the Italians at Aduwa 1896) and expanded Ethiopia's borders through military conquests

Menelik II can be named as father for modern Ethiopia. He was a russophile because he thought only Russia could be the main ally of his policy of expansion of Ethiopia by reason of necessity to counteract the British colonial expansion, starting with the war against the British.

This magnificent piece of architecture was built in 1917 to house the tomb of Emperor Menelik II (1844-1913). An active church, the mausoleum is also the final resting place of Empress Taytu (1851-1918), Menelik II's wife, and Empress Zawditu (1876-1930), who ruled Ethiopia after her father's death.

Triple "royal arch" at the entrance is an example of a "royal arch" in the architectural sense. The Royal Arch was the first Masonic degree to be introduced beyond that of Master Mason. Note that the phrase "royal arch" has multiple meanings in the inner secrets of Freemasonry, while the number "three" is fundamental to Masonic numerology

Giant turtles

This church was right across the courtyard

Dracaena steudneri, also known as Dragon tree

Bougainvillea

Still in use as a church, the mausoleum temporarily held the remains of Emperor Haile Selassie after they were recovered in 1990. High up on the hill that overlooks the city, two lion statues guard each entrance to the mausoleum. Emperors Menelik II and Haile Selassie

The staircase to the bell tower.

Built in 1917 by Empress Zawditu, the mausoleum is locatedinside the compound of Emperor Menelik's Palace

The queen of Sheba has been called a variety of names by different peoples in different times. To King Solomon of Israel she was the Queen of Sheba. The Ethiopian people claim her as Makeda.

A kebero is a double-headed, conical hand drum used in the traditional music of Eritrea and Ethiopia. A piece of animal hide is stretched over each end, thus forming a membranophone. A large version of the instrument is also used in Orthodox Christian liturgical music, while smaller versions are used in secular celebrations

Menelik II (1844 -1913), is the emperor of Abyssinia (1889-1910)

Descending into the crypt

It housesthe remains of Menelik II, Empress Taitu, Empress Zawditu, Abuna Mateos, the Archbishop who crowned Menelik, and Princess Tsehai, daughter of Emperor Haile Sellassie I.

The remains of Archbishop Matewos, known as Abune Matewos, who crowned Menelik II.

Text: InternetPictures: Sanda Foioreanu, Alin Samochis & InternetCopyright: All the images belong to their authorsPresentation: Sanda Foioreanuwww.slideshare.net/michaelasandaSound: Alemayehu Eshete - Temar Lije

*bluejuly@aol.com

**bluejuly@aol.com