← Explore on the interactive map

Ethiopian Zagwe Dynasty

Type Event Region East Africa Time 1161–1170

In the 1160s, the Zagwe dynasty continued to rule central Ethiopia from Lalibela, sustaining Orthodox Christianity and local royal authority, and lay…

Timeline

  1. 1161–1164Ethiopian Highlands · EthiopiaZagwe kings maintained suzerainty over the highland chiefdoms, consolidating royal authority through appointment of local governors and collection of tribute; the dynasty's domain covered the core of present-day Amhara Region.
  2. 1164–1168Lalibela · EthiopiaThe Zagwe dynasty continued investing in church construction; rock-hewn church projects around Lalibela were advancing or in preparatory stages, and Ethiopian Orthodox faith was reinforced through grand religious architecture that enhanced royal sanctity and popular identity.
  3. 1168–1170Lake Tana region · EthiopiaThe Zagwe dynasty maintained limited contacts with churches around Lake Tana and Muslim trading towns to the south; the highland Christian world remained relatively closed yet stable on the margins of Red Sea trade networks.

Sources