Video Lesson

Lesson Objectives

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Identify major factors for the rise and fall of the Zagwe Dynasty.
• Outline the political-economic, social and cultural features of the Zagwe Dynasty.
• Investigate the rise of Muslim states in Ethiopia.
• Appreciate the place of Ethiopia among the great Civilization s of the world

Brainstorming Questions

• Do you know the state of Zagwe in Ethiopian history?
• do you know the name of the monolithic churches those are found in Lalibela ?
• Do you know The Muslim states in Ethiopia?

KeyTerms

A. The Zagwe Dynasty

The Zagwe Dynasty originated from the Agaw ruling class in Lasta, within the Aksumite Empire. It was founded around 1150 AD by Mera Tekle Haymnot, marking a significant political shift rather than the creation of a new kingdom. Mera Tekle Haymnot established the capital at Adefa, which later became known as Lalibela.

Economic Foundations: The Zagwe economy was primarily agricultural, supplemented by trade through the Zeila port and the Dahlak Islands along the Red Sea coast.

Architectural Achievements: The dynasty is particularly renowned for its remarkable architectural contributions, especially the monolithic rock-hewn churches in Lalibela. These churches became key centers for Christian learning and culture in Ethiopia.

Decline of the Zagwe Dynasty: The decline of the Zagwe Dynasty was influenced by several factors:

1. Succession Issues: Frequent struggles for the throne among Zagwe princes often led to violent resolutions, creating instability.
2. Opposition: Significant resistance arose from the regions of Tigray and Amhara. In Tigray, clergy members spread anti-Zagwe sentiments using the legend of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon to portray the Zagwe kings as illegitimate successors of Aksum.
3. End of the Dynasty: This opposition culminated in 1270 AD, when Yekuno Amlak, an Amhara chief claiming descent from the last Aksumite king, defeated the last Zagwe king, Yetbarek. Yekuno Amlak (r. 1270-1285) proclaimed himself Emperor and positioned himself as the restorer of the “Solomonic dynasty,” leveraging Aksumite heritage to legitimize his rule—a tradition that continued until 1974.

B. The Sultanate of Shewa

The Sultanate of Shewa was established during the rise of Islam in the Horn of Africa in the 8th century, leading to the formation of several Muslim states by the 9th century AD.

Economic Shifts: The decline of northern Ethiopian trade, worsened by Arab control of the Red Sea and the destruction of Adulis, allowed Zeila, on the Gulf of Aden, to become a crucial trade port. This port served as a vital gateway for Islam and facilitated the development of various Muslim states along trade routes connecting Zeila with the rich interior.

Formation of Shewa: The Sultanate of Shewa was the first of these states, established in 896 AD by leaders claiming descent from the Makhzunmite clan of southern Arabia. Located in the hot lowlands adjacent to the Awash River, Shewa faced internal power struggles that contributed to its decline.

Rise of Ifat: In 1285 AD, the Sultanate of Ifat was founded to the south of Shewa by Umar Walasma, becoming the dominant Muslim sultanate in the region. Ifat controlled extensive territories and the lucrative trade routes of Zeila, enhancing its economic power.

Conflict with Highland States: As Ifat emerged as a significant rival to the Christian highland states, the latter developed a strong interest in controlling the Zeila trade, particularly following Yekuno Amlak’s rise. This competition for dominance over the Zeila trade routes became a central source of conflict between the Christian and Muslim states, profoundly shaping the political landscape of the Horn of Africa during this period.