Development of the Ethiopian Zagwe Dynasty (1175)

Name: Development of the Ethiopian Zagwe Dynasty (1175)
Start: 1174
End: 1176

Type Event Region Africa Time 1174–1176

Around 1175, the Zagwe dynasty (ruling c. 1137–1270) ruled the Ethiopian highlands, marked by rock-hewn church complexes at Lalibela, sustaining Orth…

Timeline

1175Lalibela · EthiopiaThe Zagwe dynasty continued rock-hewn church projects at Lalibela, shaping it into a 'New Jerusalem'-style pilgrimage center and strengthening Orthodox liturgy and national symbolism.
1175–1176Amhara Highlands · Ethiopian HighlandsThe dynasty integrated highland domains through a vassal system, participating in Red Sea–Indian Ocean trade via ports such as Zeila, importing silk and spices and exporting ivory and slaves.

Sources

The Church of Ethiopia: A History of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church — John H. Spencer (2006)
The Cambridge History of Africa, Volume 3 — J. D. Fage (1977)