Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Prophet Mohammed's daughter and successor flee persecution in Arabia and introduce
Islam to Ethiopia. Some believe that the Christian king let them stay because he
thought they were persecuted Christians.
640-750
The Aksumites lose their hold on Red Sea trade and the kingdom collapses. Ethiopia
enters a long 'dark age' about which almost nothing is known.
1137-1270
The Zagwe dynasty rises from Ethiopia's 'dark ages' and produces, with a little help-
ing hand from a gang of angels, the astounding rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
1165-1600
Rumours about Prester John, a powerful Christian king based in Ethiopia, spread
throughout Europe. Excitement mounts that he will help Christian Europe gain control
of the Holy Lands.
1270
Yekuno Amlak establishes the 'Solomonic dynasty' and Ethiopia enters its well- docu-
mented Middle Ages.
1400
French aristocrat Duc de Berry sends the first European ambassador to Ethiopia. In
turn, Ethiopians journey to Europe where many join churches, particularly in Rome.
1400-1600
The
Kebra Negast,
Ethiopia's national epic, is written. There remains much debate
about the exact date it was written.
1490-1529
Mahfuz declares jihad on Christian Ethiopia and starts the bloody Muslim-Christian
wars, the most costly in the country's history. His successor, Ahmed Gragn the Left-
Handed, eventually defeats the emperor.
1529-42
