Material testimonies of the history of diplomatic relations between the Russian Empire and Ethiopia in the St. Petersburg collections

Abstract

Relations between Russian Empire and Ethiopia have a long-lasting history. They became much more active in the last quarter of 19th century, when the international situation has changed and became tense. During this period the vast territories of northeastern part of African continent transformed in a kind of scene of international plans realization of World Empires and their colonial interests. Ethiopia managed to avoid colonial occupation of its territories. Consequently, it was again isolated from the external world. Having no support from abroad and being in hard conditions Emperor of Ethiopia Menelik II (1889–1913) looked towards the Russian Empire, close to Ethiopia in the matters of the Christian Orthodox faith.