8.2 Gondarine Period

8.2 Gondarine Period
• Ruled from a new capital, Gondar, in the highland Christian Kingdom.
• Shifted political center from Shewan highlands to Lake Tana region due to Adal's threat and Oromo population movement pressure.
• Minas, brother of Gelawdows, retreated to lands north of Abay River after Gelawdows' death in 1559.
• Successors lived in mobile capitals at Denqez, Gorgora, Azezo, Dembiya, and Qoga in Gojjam and Begemidir.
Gondar's Foundation and Political Role
• Founded by Fasiladas in 1636.
• Strategically located on long-distance trade route.
• Ends tradition of ruling from temporary camps.
• Continued as political center for two centuries.


Gondar's Architectural and Technological Achievements
• Known for architectural achievements and building technology.
• Kingly reigns of Fasiladas (1632-1667), Yohanes I (1667-1682), and Iyasu I (1682-1706) saw prosperity and technological development.
• City growth and expansion of traditional schools around palaces and churches.
• Three Gondarine rulers were politically stronger than their successors.
Gondar's Urban Development and Cultural Diversity
• Population of 70,000, diverse religious, cultural, indigenous, and foreign communities.
• Developed as a commercial center with daily market attracting merchants, crafts, and rural people.
• Intense urban-rural interactions led by traders, mostly Ethiopian Muslims (Jeberti).
• Other occupational groups engaged in craft activities like masonry, pottery, basketry, and ironworks.
• Separate living quarters for Muslim, Bete Israel, and foreign communities.
• Introduced cash payment for labor services.


Gondar's Decline and Political Power
• The ruling class enjoyed luxurious life in palaces and castles.
• Gondar's commercial and urban prosperity was seized by the first three kings.
• Political disorder and social unrest became common, leading to court intrigues and assassinations.
• The Gondarine monarchy struggled to maintain its political power due to military weakness.
• Imperial court guarded by powerful warlords, strengthening regional warlords with limited control.
Gondarine Period: Itege Mentewab's Power and Influence
• Itege Mentewab, wife of Emperor Bakafa, ruled the kingdom post-Bakafa's death.
• She served as regent for her son, Iyasu II, until his death in 1767.
• She was supported by her brother, Welde Leul, who bestowed her title of Ras Bitweded.
• Warlords contested for Ras Bitweded title and position.
• In 1769, Mentewab lost power to Tigrean warlord Ras Michael Sehul.
• Sehul killed Iyoas and took over Ras Bitweded title.

Gondar's Conflicts in Ethiopian Orthodox Church
• Internal splits within the church.
• Clergy conflicts over regional religious principles.
• Political and religious disputes led to Zemene Mesafint or Era of warlords.