This second edition of the Historical Dictionary of Eritrea spans several millennia, starting with the discovery of some of the earliest known hominid remains and continuing on to Eritrea's early encounters with Christianity (4th century) and Islam (7th century). The main focus of this book, however, is on the formation of the modern nation-state under a succession of colonial powers, its 30-year war for independence, and its emergence in the 1990s as a new country. The book also maps the numerous conflicts Eritrea has been involved in since then with its neighbors and identifies the key players within the government and ruling party, as well as the externally based opposition. This ready reference relates the history of Eritrea, from ancient times to the present, through a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and over 500 cross-referenced dictionary entries on significant persons, events, places, and organizations, as well as entries on politics, economy, society, and culture. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Eritrea. - Publisher.