How the name Eritrea is given to Mdree-Bahree (Land of the Sea)

Eritrea was called Mdree-Bahree (which means Land of the Sea) by the local people. The term "Eritrea" derives from the Greek term Sinus Erythraeus, which can be translated in English as Red Sea. The name was given to the sea between the Arabian Peninsula and the Africa continent, by Greek tradesmen of the third century B.C. In 1890 Italy colonised the land of Midri-Bahri along the Red Sea, and named it Eritrea. Unlike other kingdoms, Mdree-Bahree was the only democratic kingdom in which the king (bestowed the name Bahree Negasee meaning King of the Sea) was elected by the people.

This part of the world is considered the origin of the human race. It's from this place that our first ancestors migrated to other parts of the globe. The first known inhabitants of Eritrea are the Kunama and Nara about 3500 B.C. The 'Land of Punt' is believed to be in this part of the world. Around 2000 BC the Beja people from southern Egypt entered Eritrea. The first inscriptions in Geez alphabet date from 800 B.C.

Did you know that the first human beings lived in the area which is now Eritrea? Click the following links to find out more!

1. Eritrean History part I (125000 B.C upto 750 B.C.)

2. Eritrean History Part II   (8^th century A.D. upto 16^th cetury)

3. Eritrean History Part III  (16^th century to 19^th century)

<< Back to Turist Attractions   |   Next  to modern Eritrean History>>