Ethiopia's first contacts:

Ethiopia has been a well known country for centuries, and had many trade encounters. Dating all the way back to the time of Sheba, and when people came to Ethiopia for gold. Ethiopia is a large nation in Africa and is more accessible than others. Ethiopia has made relations with Islamic nations and The Portuguese.

1

Islamic people came into the Empire of Aksum in the 1400's to explore the land and settle as requested by Mohamed. The Portuguese came to Ethiopia in the legend of Prester John to find a Christian nation supposed to be in Ethiopia. Ethiopia is in The Horn Of Africa which makes trade more accessible and was throughout the centuries. The location instigated the meeting point in Ethiopia for trade by European, Asian, and middle eastern countries. Also, religion brought many people to Ethiopia, for the Christianity. Middle Eastern countries brought Islam to Ethiopia. For the Middle East, Ethiopian slaves were desired. Many were moved to Islamic countries for various labor opportunities. 2

The various reasons countries have came to Ethiopia, has affected the nation in different ways. For instance Middle eastern countries coming to Ethiopia, caused a war and change of religious beliefs. The Islamic people in the 1400s had a war with Ethiopian Christians that changed the nations kingdom and many beliefs. Now Ethiopia is a nation that is Islamic and Christian. The location of Ethiopia being so available for trade routes has led to expansions and it becoming a route for traders

Sources:

(1) http://apworldhistorypd5.weebly.com/east-asia.html

(2)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slavery_in_Ethiopia#Arab_slave_trade