Eritrea Massawa History: A Glimpse Into the Past



Eritrea Massawa is a port city located on the Red Sea in the east African nation of Eritrea. It is the capital of the Northern Red Sea region and the most important port in the country. Massawa has a long and rich history that dates back to ancient times. The city has played an important role in the region’s history, from the days of the Aksumite Empire to the modern day.

The Aksumite Empire was an ancient kingdom that ruled over much of the Horn of Africa from the 1st century BC to the 7th century AD. During this time, Massawa was an important trading center for the Aksumites, who used the port to export goods to the Mediterranean and beyond. It was also a major center of religious worship, with several temples and shrines dedicated to the gods of the Aksumite Empire.

In the 8th century, Massawa was conquered by the Islamic Umayyad Caliphate. The city then became part of the Sultanate of Adal, which was a powerful Muslim state that ruled over much of the Horn of Africa. During this period, Massawa was an important center for Islamic learning and culture.

In the 16th century, Massawa was conquered by the Ottoman Turks. The city then became part of the Ottoman Empire, and it was used as a strategic port to control the Red Sea trade routes. During this period, Massawa was a major commercial port, with merchants from all over the world trading goods in the city.

In the 19th century, Massawa was conquered by the Egyptians. The city then became part of the Egyptian Empire, and it was used as a base for the Egyptian navy. During this period, Massawa was a major naval port, and it was an important center for the Egyptian navy.

In the 20th century, Massawa was occupied by the British during World War II. The city then became part of the British colony of Eritrea, and it was used as a strategic port during the war. After the war, the city was annexed by Ethiopia and it became part of the Ethiopian Empire.

Today, Massawa is a bustling port city with a population of over 200,000. The city is still an important commercial center, and it is home to a number of industries, including fishing, textiles, and tourism. Massawa is also home to a number of historic sites, including the old city walls and the ruins of the Aksumite Empire.

Eritrea Massawa has a long and rich history, and it is a great place to explore if you are interested in learning more about the region’s past. The city has a wealth of historical sites and monuments, and it is an important port for the modern day.