Eritrea's Legacy: From Ancient Civilization 
to Modern Independence

Eritrea's rich and glorious history stretches back to 6000 BC, with monuments across the land testifying to the wealth of its fascinating past. The nation was a center for commercial activities in the Horn of Africa in the early 1900s and was one of the earliest African countries to be introduced to modern technology. Modern-day Eritrea is defined by its struggle for independence - an all-encompassing armed struggle to liberate Eritrea and Eritreans from the ills of oppression, inequality, and poverty.

The history of Eritrea is rich and filled with complexity. The origin of the name Eritrea comes from the word erythrean, Greek for "red" (in reference to the Red Sea). Christianity was introduced to Eritrea around 338 AD, and Islam arrived in 615. The nation's strategic location made it a vital trading route, even during the first millennium BC. Qohaito, found on one of the plateaus of Eritrea, was just one of the thriving ancient trading cities.

The colonial era began when Italy officially declared Eritrea its colony on January 1, 1890, through the royal decree of Umberto I. Italy's presence had started earlier, in 1869, when an Italian monk purchased land in Assab on behalf of an Italian shipping company. With Italy's conquest of Massawa in February 1885, it quickly consolidated its footing on the Eritrean coastline and areas farther inland.

In early 1941, the British defeated the Italians in Eritrea at the Battle of Keren. Under British military administration, Eritrea faced significant challenges. British forces moved Eritrean industries from Asmara and Massawa to Kenya as war compensation, destroyed factories and machinery, and dismantled parts of the Eritrean railway.

A crucial turning point came during the fourth session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 1949. Although it was determined that the majority of the Eritrean people wanted complete independence, the UN General Assembly forced Eritrea to accept federation with Ethiopia. After years of continuous violations of the Federation terms, in November 1962, Ethiopia's emperor dissolved the Federation and annexed Eritrea, triggering the 30-year armed struggle.

The most dramatic and self-sacrificing epoch in Eritrea's history was the bloody War of Liberation, which concluded with its emancipation into statehood in 1991. The bloodshed began only after continuous, multiple pleas and protests fell on deaf ears. On September 1, 1961, a group of independence fighters fired the first shots of the revolution. The long and bitter struggle was against an opponent with a larger population, bigger and better armaments, more resources, and large-scale foreign intervention and investment.

Community solidarity played a vital role during the struggle. Students, workers, and women organized themselves into popular associations to support the liberation struggle. Community centers developed to give people a reference point for one another, as well as a venue for sharing news, acculturating children, organizing cultural and social events and mobilizing resources for the homeland.

In 1991, the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) captured the Eritrean capital, Asmara, bringing to an end the 30-year bitter struggle for liberation. On May 24, 1991, independence was achieved in effect, if not yet by law. Eritrea formally gained its independence and sovereignty following an internationally monitored referendum in 1993.

Self-determination is an intrinsic trait of Eritreans. The country is committed to self-development with dignity, relying first and foremost on its own people to set the pace, direction, and character of the country's passage from colonial subjugation to full economic sovereignty. Extraordinary levels of popular participation in the country's reconstruction and development are the hallmark of Eritrea's post-independence growth.

Since independence, Eritrea has registered significant accomplishments. In 1991, the country had fewer than 100 dams and water reservoirs; today, it boasts more than 900. It produces 75% of its food requirements, and access to safe drinking water has increased from 7% at the time of independence to 95%. The nation continues to focus on achieving social justice for its people through development in education, healthcare, women's rights, and other vital sectors.