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Dawit II

Type Figure Region Ethiopia Time 1496–1540 Also known as Wagda Nagast

Dawit II (born Lebna Dengel) was an Ethiopian emperor of the Solomonic dynasty, living from about 1496 to 1540 and acceding in 1508.…

Timeline

  1. 1496–1507Shewa Highlands · EthiopiaGrew up in the palace as son of the Nagusa Nagast, receiving an education from the church and nobility in preparation for eventually inheriting the throne.
  2. 1508–1527Ethiopian imperial court · EthiopiaInherited the throne in 1508, initially assisted by regents and the church. During his reign he maintained the order of the Christian empire and began contacts with Portugal to seek foreign aid, while facing pressure from Muslim powers in the east.
  3. 1527–1540Northern Ethiopian frontier · EthiopiaThe Adal Sultanate launched a major invasion under Ahmad ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi, dealing heavy blows to the empire's heartland. Dawit II was killed in the fighting, plunging the empire into a severe crisis; his heirs and Portuguese reinforcements subsequently undertook reconquest.

Sources