Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - After a century and a half away, a symbol of Ethiopian history has finally returned home. The shield of Emperor Tewodros II, stolen during the Meqdela War in 1868, has been repatriated to Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian Heritage Protection Authority, working tirelessly for over a year, secured the shield's return from the United Kingdom. The shield's journey back was not without its challenges, as it was even put up for auction in England last year.
However, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Authority, and the crucial support of Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie Haile Selassie, the auction was cancelled, and the shield was brought back to its rightful place.
Today, the shield was welcomed back with a ceremony attended by descendants of Ethiopian patriots, including Daniel Jote Mesfen, son of the Ancient Ethiopian Heroic Patriots Association president, and Assistant Professor Abebaw Ayalew, Director General of the Ethiopian Heritage Protection Authority.
This historic return marks a significant moment for Ethiopia, as the shield represents a crucial piece of the country's heritage and a powerful symbol of Emperor Tewodros' legacy. The shield will now be displayed in a prominent location, allowing future generations to learn about this important chapter in Ethiopian history.