Eritrea
Historical Events
100 - Kingdom of Aksum Established
The Kingdom of Aksum, covering much of modern Eritrea and northern Ethiopia, is established.
400 - Aksum Adopts Christianity
The Kingdom of Aksum adopts Christianity as its state religion around the middle of the fourth century.
1885 - Italian Rule Begins
Italian troops take control of Eritrean coastal lowlands, establishing a colony.
1890 - Formation of Italian Eritrea
Italian troops complete the establishment of the colony of Italian Eritrea.
1941 - British Military Administration
Eritrea comes under British Military Administration during World War II.
1952 - Eritrea's Federal Status with Ethiopia
Eritrea is granted a federal status with Ethiopia after a UN decision.
1962 - Eritrea's Annexation by Ethiopia
Ethiopia annuls the Eritrean parliament and formally annexes Eritrea.
1991 - De Facto Independence
Eritrea gains de facto independence after a prolonged armed struggle.
1993 - De Jure Independence
Eritrea gains de jure independence following an independence referendum.
2017 - Asmara Designated World Heritage Site
Asmara is designated a World Heritage Site for its modernist architecture.