1 - Period of Zamme 12

INTRODUCTION
This material (assignment) covers about the period of zemene mesafint / Eraof warlord. It focus on
characteristics of zemene mesafint, cause and effect,and end of the period.The Zemene Mesafint was
a period in Ethiopian history between the mid-18thand mid-19th centuries, when the country was
divided into several regionsruled by local lords, who often fought against each other for power
andterritory.The emperor in Gondar had little authority and was mostly afigurehead.The name
Zemene Mesafint means “Era of the Princes” or “Era of the Judges” in Ge’ez, the ancient language of
Ethiopia Some of the main causes of the Zemene Mesafint were the decline of thecentral government,
the rise of the Oromo people, who migrated from thesouth and east and established their own
kingdoms, and the interference of foreign powers, such as Egypt, Britain, and France, who sought to
exploitEthiopia’s resources and influence its politics The Zemene Mesafint ended when Kassa Hailu, a
noble from Qwara,defeated his rivals and became Emperor Tewodros II in 1855. He tried toreunite
and modernize Ethiopia, but faced resistance from some of theregional lords and foreign invaders. He
died in 1868 after a siege by a Britishexpedition The Zemene Mesafint was a turbulent and chaotic
time in Ethiopian history,but also a time of cultural and religious diversity, artistic and
literaryachievements,
1: The period of zamme mesafint from (1769 to 1855)

The period of "Zamme Mesafint" refers to a significant historical timeframe in Ethiopia, particularly in
the context of Ethiopian literature and culture.
From (1769 to 1855), this era is characterized by the following key developments:
1. Political Turmoil: This period saw various regional conflicts and shifts in power, particularly with the
rise of local rulers and the decline of centralized authority.
2. Cultural Flourishing: The era was marked by a resurgence in Ethiopian literature and religious
scholarship.The emergence of notable poets and writers contributed to the richness of Ethiopian
culture.
3. Religious Influence: The Ethiopian Orthodox Church played a crucial role in society, influencing
education, literature, and the arts.
4. Interactions with Foreign Powers: The period also included increased contact with European
nations, which would later impact Ethiopia's political landscape.
5. The Reign of Emperor Tewodros II: Tewodros II began his reign in 1855, marking a shift towards a
more centralized state and significant reforms.
2: The Zemene Mesafint, or "Era of the Princes," refers to a significant period in

Ethiopian history that lasted roughly from (1769 to 1855).
Here are some key points about this era:
Context: The Zemene Mesafint was marked by a decline in central authority and the fragmentation of
power among regional leaders and princes, which resulted in a decentralized political structure.
Power Struggles: Various local rulers, known as ras, gained significant autonomy and often engaged in
conflicts with one another, as well as with the central government.
Key Features
Decline of the Imperial Authority: The Solomonic dynasty, which had previously held centralized
power, struggled to maintain control over the provinces.
Regional Leaders: Prominent figures during this time included Ras Michael Sehul of Tigray and Ras Ali
of Gondar, among others, who wielded considerable influence and often acted independently of the
emperor.
Cultural Developments: Despite political instability, this period saw cultural and religious
developments, including the flourishing of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity.
The Zemene Mesafint ended with the rise of Kassa Hailu (who later became Emperor Tewodros II),
who reasserted imperial authority and unified the country, marking the beginning of a new chapter in
Ethiopian history.
3. What were the major literary works produced during Zamme Mesafint?
During the Zamme Mesafint period (1769-1855), Ethiopian literature experienced a notable
flourishing, characterized by significant literary works that reflected the cultural and religious life of
the time.
Here are some major literary works and authors from this era:
1. Kebra Nagast" (The Glory of Kings).While originally composed earlier, this foundational text
continued to be influential during the Zamme Mesafint period. It narrates the history of the
Solomonic dynasty and the relationship between Ethiopia and Israel.
2. Fetha Nagast" (The Law of the Kings).This legal text, completed in the 15th century, was widely
referenced during the Zamme Mesafint period. It provided a foundation for legal and administrative
practices in Ethiopia.
3. Mengedegna" and other Poetry.This period saw the creation of various poems, often reflecting
themes of faith, patriotism, and social justice. Poets composed works that celebrated Ethiopian
culture and history.
4. Blawe Fikr" (The Heart's Desire).A significant poetic work that explores themes of love and
spirituality, showcasing the depth of emotional expression in Ethiopian literature.
5. Mäggalä Mälak.A collection of religious poems, this work emphasizes the role of spirituality in daily
life and the importance of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
6. Historical Chronicles.Various chronicles and historical accounts were written during this time,
documenting the political and social changes in Ethiopia.These works served as important records for
future generations.
7. Tsebel" (The Nectar) A notable work that combines poetry and prose, reflecting the religious fervor
and moral teachings of the time.
These works not only contributed to the literary landscape of Ethiopia but also played a crucial role in
preserving the country's history, culture, and religious identity.
REFERENCES
History grade 9 and 10 student text book. Wikipedia Ethiopian history from emperor Libne Dingel to
Emperor Tewodros( Tekletsadik Mekuria 6th edition 2013) History of Ethiopia and the horn
module( revised 2020)
CONCLUSION
The Zemene Mesafint, also known as the "Era of Princes," was a significantperiod in Ethiopian history
characterized by political fragmentation and power struggles among regional rulers from the mid-18th
to the mid-19th century. Asthis era drew to a close, Ethiopia experienced a gradual decline in
stabilityand central authority, paving the way for the rise of Emperor Tewodros II andsubsequent
reforms.The Zemene Mesafint witnessed a marked weakening of central governance,with local
princes and warlords asserting their power and often engaging inconflicts for territorial control.This
power vacuum led to frequent upheavals,factionalism, and a lack of unity within Ethiopian society. As
a result, thecountry faced internal strife and external threats, including invasions byneighboring states
such as Sudan and the Ottoman Empire. However, despite the political chaos, this era also saw the
emergence of important cultural and intellectual movements.The Ethiopian OrthodoxChurch played a
significant role in preserving religious traditions andintellectual discourse, while regional rulers
patronized art, literature, andarchitecture, leaving behind notable cultural legacies.The Zemene
Mesafint eventually gave way to a new era marked by the riseof Emperor Tewodros II, who aimed to
centralize power and modernizeEthiopia. His reign, starting in the mid-19th century, initiated a series
of reforms and military campaigns aimed at unifying the country and bolsteringits defenses against
external threats.

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INTRODUCTION

1: The period of zamme mesafint from (1769 to 1855)

2: The Zemene Mesafint, or "Era of the Princes," refers to a significant period in

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