Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
OROMO MIGRATIONS & THE JESUITS
A new threat to the Ethiopian empire arose in the mid-16th century. The nomadic pastoral-
ists and warrior horsemen of the Oromos began a great migration northwards from what's
now Kenya.
For the next 200 years intermittent armed conflict raged between the empire and the
Oromos.
Early in the 17th century the Oromo threat led several Ethiopian emperors to seek an al-
liance with the Portuguese-backed Jesuits. Two emperors, Za-Dengel and Susenyos, even
went as far as conversion to Catholicism. However, imposing Catholicism on their popula-
tion provoked widespread rebellion. Za-Dengel was overthrown and, in 1629, Susenyos'
draconian measures to convert his people incited civil war.
Eventually Susenyos backed down and the Orthodox faith was re-established. Susenyos'
son and successor, Fasiladas, expelled the meddling Jesuits and forbade all foreigners from
setting foot in his empire.
FATHER OF MODERN ETHIOPIA
Considered the father of modern Ethiopia, Amda Seyon (also known as Gebre Meskel) ruled from 1314 to 1344.
Known as a military mastermind, he vastly expanded the size of the Christian Empire through the use of force, and
his rule is considered something of a golden age for Ethiopia. Military mastermind he may have been, but man of
morals he wasn't. He was accused of sleeping with at least one of his sisters and marrying his father's concubine!
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