Zagwe dynasty of Ethiopia

Timeline

1. 1210–1215Lasta region · Amhara RegionZagwe monarchs consolidated royal power through an image of Christian piety and church relations, maintaining control over local chiefs and monasteries on the Lasta plateau, continuing the pattern of rule established since the 12th century.
2. 1215–1219Lalibela · EthiopiaThe king of Lalibela presided over the carving of the rock-hewn church complex; the dynasty demonstrated its legitimacy through large-scale religious projects, and Ethiopian Orthodox faith and Aksumite church traditions were continued and expanded under Zagwe rule.
3. 1215–1219Ethiopian Highlands · EthiopiaThe Zagwe maintained rule through church networks and alliances with local chiefs, but a movement among descendants of the Solomonid dynasty claiming royal power was already brewing in the southern highlands, foreshadowing Yekuno Amlak's overthrow of the Zagwe half a century later.