The Beta Israel: Falasha in Ethiopia: From Earliest Times to the Twentieth Century

For centuries, the origins of Ethiopia's "Black Jews," known as the Beta Israel or Falasha, have sparked both fascination and debate. This scholarly work, the result of nearly a decade of research, re-examines their history within the broader context of Ethiopian culture, moving beyond traditional Jewish historical perspectives. Drawing on their own literature and oral traditions, the book argues that the Beta Israel emerged as an ethnic group between the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries, detailing their links to Ethiopian Christianity, medieval legends, conflicts with emperors, and their encounters with European missionaries. It offers a definitive historical account for anyone interested in Jewish, African, or comparative religious studies.