Medieval Ethiopia produced one of the longest-reigning dynasties anywhere in the world. The Solomonic Dynasty lasted from 1270 CE to 1974 CE, with many Ethiopians claiming it went back further to 982 BCE when Menelek I became the first emperor of Ethiopia. In 700 years, Ethiopia witnessed a transformation in trade, territory, and culture that created the modern nation we know today. The dynasty united ethnic groups to form one state with the same values and traditions. Although historians still have yet to determine what happened to begin the Solomonic Dynasty, we can combine the sources we have to create an image of what might have occurred.
The Zagwe Dynasty ruled from 900 CE to 1270 CE. It was a relatively stable lineage until the 13th century when opposition began to gain power against the king. Although much of its centuries-long reign is well-recorded, the end of the Zagwe Dynasty is still a mystery for historians. The dynasty’s last emperor is even called Za-Ilmaknun, which translates to “the unknown” or “the hidden one” because later royal recorders completely removed him from history. Many historians have theorized that this ruler was Yetbarak, the son of former King Lalibela.
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