The fall of the Zagwe Dynasty around 1270, due to opposition from the Amhara region, led to the rise of the Solomonic Dynasty under Yikuno Amlak. Claiming descent from the legendary Queen of Sheba and King Solomon, Yikuno Amlak and his successors sought to restore the ancient Aksumite legacy, a narrative codified in the 14th-century text “Kibre Negest.” This dynasty, accepted as legitimate, lasted until 1974, marking the Ethiopian Medieval Period from 1270 to 1855.

Initially, the Christian Highland Kingdom’s capital moved from Lalibela to Lake Hayk and then to Shewa, eventually adopting a “moving” or “roving” capital system before establishing Gondar as the permanent capital in 1636. This period saw the consolidation of the feudal Gult system, which allowed officials and hereditary chiefs to collect tribute and administer regions. The economy was primarily agricultural, with trade, particularly through Zeyla, becoming increasingly significant.

Under King Amde Tsiyon (1314-44), the Christian Highland Kingdom expanded aggressively, incorporating Damot, Felasha, Gojjam, and parts of Eritrea. His conquests included defeating the Sultanate of Ifat and reducing it to a tributary status. This expansion, however, led to increased conflicts with neighboring Muslim states, particularly the rising Sultanate of Adal. Despite initial successes, the kingdom’s power waned, particularly after the decisive defeat by Imam Ahmad of Adal at the Battle of Shimbra Kure in 1529. During this period, Christianity spread into new regions like Shewa, Gojjam, and around Lake Tana, supported by figures such as Abune Tekle Haymanot and Abba Iyasus Moa. Monasticism flourished, and the church-state alliance was most prominent under King Zer`a Ya`ekob (1434-68), who supported the construction of churches and monasteries, reinforcing the legitimacy of the Christian kings.