Steven Kaplan, *The Ethiopians: Lost Civilizations*. London: Reaktion Books, 2025.

Ethiopia has captivated observers since ancient times. This book provides a novel perspective on Ethiopian history up to the year 1500, beginning with the Aksumite civilization at the dawn of the Common Era. It revisits well-known stories such as the narrative of the Queen of Sheba, scrutinizes the ascent and decline of Aksum, investigates the role of Muslims and Islam in Ethiopian society, and underscores the architectural wonders of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches. By concentrating on the Golden Age of the early Solomonic rulers, the book integrates the latest research to deliver a clearer and more nuanced understanding of this rich history than ever before.