Restoration of the Solomonic Dynasty in Ethiopia (1270)

Timeline

1. 1270Amba Geshen · EthiopiaThe Amhara local noble Yekuno Amlak allied with the clans of Shewa, defeated the last Zagwe emperor Yetbarak, ended the Zagwe dynasty famed for its rock-hewn churches at Lalibela, and proclaimed the restoration of the orthodox imperial authority of the Solomon-Sheba lineage.
2. 1271–1275Taffat · EthiopiaYekuno Amlak founded a new capital, Taffat, in Shewa, basing his rule's legitimacy on the Solomonic lineage transmitted in the Kebra Nagast, gained church support, and began systematically integrating the territories of the highland vassals.
3. 1276–1280Ethiopian Highlands · EthiopiaBy around 1280, the Solomonic dynasty gradually pacified Zagwe remnants and local strongmen through marriage alliances and military campaigns, bringing core regions such as Shewa and Amhara under a unified royal authority, laying the political framework for later emperors' campaigns.