Video Lesson

Lesson Objectives

After learning this lesson, you will able to:

• define the term Sultanate;
• explain its relationship with the Sultanate of Ifat;
• realize the ways through which Islam reached the region.
• locate the whereabouts of the kingdom of Damot against the Abay (Blue Nile) River;
• explain about its relationship with other kingdoms and peoples;
• realize that historical development forced the people of Damot to migrate north of the Abay (Blue Nile) River.

Brainstorming Question

• What ruling families were the Welasma and the Maxumite?
• How do you explain the relationships between the Kingdom of Damot and the Oromos?

Sultanate of Shewa

The Sultanate of Shewa was an early Muslim state in the Ethiopian region, spanning from northeastern Shewa to northern Hararghe. Founded around 896 A.D. by Khalid ibn al-Walid, the sultanate was ruled by the Makhzumite dynasty, claiming descent from the Makhzumi clan of South Arabia. The capital of the sultanate was Walele, situated in northern Hararghe. This sultanate played a significant role in the region’s history as one of the earliest Muslim political entities, marking a period of cultural and religious influence in Ethiopia.

The Sultanate of Shewa had ambiguous relations with the Zagwe kingdom, though historical records do not provide clear details. However, the sultanate frequently engaged in conflict with the Kingdom of Damot to the southwest, which significantly weakened its authority. By the 13th century, Damot expanded its influence over Shewa. Concurrently, the neighboring Sultanate of Ifat in the east sought to assert control over Shewa, leading to ongoing military campaigns against it. Ultimately, in 1285 A.D., the Makhzumite dynasty of Shewa was overthrown by the Walasma dynasty of Ifat, signaling the end of the Sultanate of Shewa.

Kingdom of Damot

The Kingdom of Damot, located south of the Abay (Blue Nile) River, wielded significant power during the medieval period. It compelled the Sultanate of Shewa to pay tribute and successfully repelled Zagwe dynasty armies sent to conquer its territory. Damot expanded its domain by conquering neighboring Muslim and Christian states. In response to Damot’s influence, the Muslim Sultanate of Shewa and the newly formed Christian state under Yekuno Amlak forged an alliance. However, Damot’s independence came to an end in the 14th century when King Amda Tsiyon of the Solomonic dynasty subdued it. Damot subsequently fell under Solomonic influence. Facing pressure from Oromo attacks, some Damot residents migrated north of the Abay River and settled in southern Gojjam during the late 16th and early 17th centuries.