Monument to the Lion of Judah facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Monument to the Lion of Judah |
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The Lion of Judah Monument in Addis Ababa
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| Artist | Georges Gardet |
| Year | 1930 |
| Type | Sculpture |
| Medium | Gilded bronze |
| Location | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
The Monument to the Lion of Judah is a famous statue in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It shows the Lion of Judah, which is a very old and important symbol. This symbol represents the Ethiopian Emperors and the country of Ethiopia itself.
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What is the Lion of Judah Monument?
The monument is a beautiful sculpture made of gilded bronze. This means it is bronze covered in a thin layer of gold, making it shine. The statue stands on a black granite base. This base is decorated with carved pictures of important historical figures. These include emperors Menelik II and Haile Selassie, Empress Zewditu, and a leader named Ras Makonnen Wolde Mikael.
Where is the Monument Located?
You can find this impressive monument in a busy square in Addis Ababa. It is right in front of the Addis Ababa railway station. This spot also marks the end of Winston Churchill Avenue, which is one of the main roads in the city. It's a central and important location.
How Was the Monument Created?
A French artist named Georges Gardet created the sculpture. He finished it in 1930. The monument was made to celebrate a very special event: the coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie. His coronation took place on November 2, 1930.
A Symbol of Ethiopian Pride
For many years, the Lion of Judah has been a powerful symbol for Ethiopia. After a big change in government in 1974, some leaders thought about removing the monument. They saw it as a symbol of the old monarchy. However, a group of war veterans, called Arbegnoch, spoke up. They said the monument was a reminder of Ethiopia's fight against invaders and a symbol of the nation itself. Because of their strong feelings, the monument was allowed to stay. It still stands proudly today.
The Monument's Journey to Rome
In 1936, during a time of conflict, Italian forces occupied Addis Ababa. They took the Lion of Judah statue from Ethiopia. The statue was then transported all the way to Rome, Italy. On May 8, 1937, it was placed in Rome near an obelisk that remembered a battle.
The Lion of Judah stayed in Rome for many years. In the 1960s, after talks between the two countries, it was finally returned to Ethiopia. Emperor Haile Selassie himself attended the ceremony when it was put back in its original place. This was a very important moment for the country.
Zerai Deres: A Hero's Protest
On June 15, 1938, while the statue was in Rome, a young Eritrean man named Zerai Deres made a brave protest. He stood in front of the monument, holding a traditional sword called a scimitar. He was protesting the Italian occupation of Ethiopia. He was arrested by soldiers and later died in 1945. Zerai Deres is remembered as a national hero in both Eritrea and Ethiopia for his courageous act.
See also
If you want to learn more about Ethiopian history and symbols, check out these topics:
- Ethiopian Empire
- Ethiopian aristocratic and court titles
- Solomonic dynasty
- Kebra Nagast
Images for kids
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The Lion of Judah in Rome, Italy, before its return to Ethiopia.
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A smaller Lion of Judah sculpture in the collection of the National Museum of Ethiopia.
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