Photo Essay: Camelot in Ethiopia?

Before Addis Ababa, Gonder was Ethiopia's original capital city. In 1636, Ethiopian Emperor Fasiladas founded the African country and was the first reigning monarch. The monarchy passed to his son and then his grandson and great-grandson, and each king constructed his own castle in this compound until it became known as the Royal Enclosure. Eventually, this line of kings was overthrown and the capitol moved to Addis. We had come from Rome, Italy, to Ethiopia, and it was startling to see such similar architecture. Who knew Ethiopia had castles? On the grounds is a separate building with partitions for three lions. Clearly the lion was to represent the kingship of this family of monarchs. It is a beautiful location, and the ghosts of past royalty seem to be whispering on the breezes.