COLLEGE OF COMPUTING

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION SCIENCE

INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT OF HISTORY OF ETHIOPIA AND THE HORN

NAME KELIL EDRIS................................................................................UGR/24548/13

ROBE,ETHIOPIA

Table of Contents
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Introduction...........................................................................................................................................1
1. What do you remember about the legend of the Queen of Sheba and its role in Ethiopian politics 2
2.discuss the following question briefly................................................................................................3
2.2 Discuss the role and contribution of territorial expansion in shaping today's Ethiopia...............3
2.2 What is evangelization does it mean?.........................................................................................3
2.3 List some features of the movements of ewostatewos and dekike estifanos..............................4
2.4 Discuss Emperor Zara-Yaqob’s religious reforms?.......................................................................5
2.5 Explain the concept of religious revivalism..................................................................................6
4.Elaborate the role of local and long-distance trade in the interactions between peoples and states
of Ethiopia and the horn........................................................................................................................9
5.What was the major source of rivalry between the Christian kingdom and the Muslim Sultanates in
medieval and post medieval periods? What role did religion play in the conflict between the two?. 10
Summary.............................................................................................................................................10
References...........................................................................................................................................12

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Introduction
This assignment introduces you with the nature of history, the diverse histories
of Ethiopia and the Horn and the extent to which interactions between societies
throughout the region have shaped human history. History is a systematic study
and organized knowledge of the past. The purpose of historical study is not
simply to produce a mere list of chronological events about the deeds of the
dead but to find patterns and establish meaning through the rigorous study and
interpretation of surviving records.Finally, the assignment discusses the role of
politics in Ethiopia and the Horn and also their rule in Ethiopia and the horn. In
this regard, it shows that despite the region’s diverse environments, peoples of
Ethiopia and the Horn were never isolated but they interacted throughout
history. As a result, the social, economic, cultural and political history of
Ethiopia and the Horn is highly intertwined.

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1. What do you remember about the legend of the Queen of Sheba
and its role in Ethiopian politics?
The legend of the Queen of Sheba is deeply rooted in Ethiopian history and its
influence on Ethiopian politics is significant. According to Ethiopian tradition,
the Queen of Sheba, also known as Makeda, ruled over an ancient kingdom and
embarked on a legendary journey to visit King Solomon of Israel. The meeting
between King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba is said to have resulted in a
romantic relationship and the birth of their son, Menelik I, who is believed to
have brought the Ark of the Covenant back to Ethiopia.
The Queen of Sheba has been portrayed as a strong and wise ruler, serving as an
inspiration for Ethiopian leaders throughout history. Her legendary visit to King
Solomon is seen as a symbol of Ethiopia's historical ties to the biblical narrative
and its importance in Christianity.
Ethiopian leaders, including Emperor Haile Selassie, have utilized the legend of
the Queen of Sheba to strengthen their legitimacy and authority. Haile Selassie
was seen by many Ethiopians as a direct descendant of the Queen of Sheba and
King Solomon, and this connection was used to enhance his political position.
In modern Ethiopian politics, the legend of the Queen of Sheba continues to be
influential. It is often evoked to emphasize Ethiopia's historical and cultural
heritage and to instill a sense of national pride among its citizens. Additionally,
the connection to King Solomon and the Ark of the Covenant is believed by
some to confer a special spiritual significance on Ethiopia, further affirming its
role as a spiritual center in the region.
Overall, the legend of the Queen of Sheba and its role in Ethiopian politics
reflect the intertwining of history, culture, and mythology, shaping the country's
national identity and influencing its political discourse.

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2.discuss the following question briefly.
2.2 Discuss the role and contribution of territorial expansion in shaping today's
Ethiopia.
Territorial expansion has played a significant role in shaping the Ethiopia we
see today. Throughout its long history, Ethiopia has expanded its borders
through various conquests and annexations, which have had both positive and
negative consequences for the country.
One of the most notable periods of territorial expansion in Ethiopian history was
during the reign of Emperor Menelik II in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Menelik II successfully expanded Ethiopia's territory through military
campaigns, most notably the Battle of Adwa in 1896, where Ethiopian forces
defeated the Italian army, preventing the colonization of Ethiopia.
1. Unity and National Identity: The territorial expansion helped forge a sense of
national unity and identity among various ethnic groups within Ethiopia. It
created a common history, culture, and political system that strengthened
Ethiopia's identity as a diverse and united country.
2. Economic Development: The expansion also brought new resources and
trading opportunities to Ethiopia. The acquisition of fertile lands, mining
resources, and access to new trade routes contributed to economic development
and the establishment of a more robust economy.
3. Challenges of Integration: However, the territorial expansion also brought
challenges in terms of integrating diverse ethnic groups into a centralized
Ethiopian state. Different groups had their own cultural, linguistic, and political
traditions, which sometimes led to tensions and conflicts, challenging the
process of nation-building.
4. Border Disputes: Expansion also resulted in border disputes with neighboring
countries. These disputes, such as the ongoing issue with Eritrea, have had
lasting consequences and affected regional stability.
5. Exclusion and Marginalization: Some groups within the expanded territories
may have felt marginalized or excluded from political and economic power.
Addressing these issues of inclusivity and equitable development remains an
ongoing challenge for Ethiopia.
2.2 What is evangelization does it mean?
Evangelization refers to the act of spreading the message of a particular
religious faith, usually with the intention of converting others to that faith. It is
primarily associated with Christianity, where evangelism involves sharing the
teachings of Jesus Christ and inviting individuals to accept him as their savior.

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Evangelization can take various forms, including preaching, teaching, sharing
personal testimonies, distributing religious literature, organizing events or
campaigns, and utilizing modern forms of media such as television, radio, and
the internet. The goal of evangelization is to lead individuals to a personal
encounter with God and to bring about a transformation of their lives through
faith.
Evangelism is not limited to the initial conversion of individuals but also
encompasses ongoing spiritual growth, discipleship, and the nurturing of faith
communities. It often involves engaging with people from different cultures,
backgrounds, and religious beliefs, fostering dialogue, and addressing questi
It is important to note that the specific methods and approaches to
evangelization can vary among different Christian denominations and traditions.
Some may emphasize personal relationships and conversations, while others
may focus on large-scale events or mass media campaigns. Overall,
evangelization plays a significant role in the life and mission of many Christian
communities, serving as a means to share the message of their faith and invite
others to join in their spiritual journey.
2.3 List some features of the movements of ewostatewos and dekike estifanos.
The movements of Ewostatewos and Dekike Estifanos were significant in
Ethiopian religious history. Here are some features of these movements:
1. Ewostatewos:
 Ewostatewos was an Ethiopian monk and religious leader who lived
during the 13th century.
 He was known for his strict adherence to a monastic lifestyle and his
emphasis on the importance of personal piety and asceticism.
 Ewostatewos preached against what he considered to be corrupt practices
within the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, particularly the involvement of
the clergy in secular affairs.
 He advocated for a return to a more authentic and spiritual form of
worship, emphasizing the primacy of inner faith and personal communion
with God.
 Ewostatewos' movement gained popularity among both clergy and
laity, and he attracted a significant following.
 His movement had a lasting impact on Ethiopian Christianity,
influencing subsequent religious reformers and contributing to the
development of Ethiopian monasticism.

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2. Dekike Estifanos:
 Dekike Estifanos was an Ethiopian religious leader who emerged in the
19th century.
 She was a visionary and charismatic figure who claimed to have
received divine revelations and visions from God.
 Dekike Estifanos preached a message of repentance, seeking to reform
and revitalize the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
 Her movement emphasized the importance of personal faith and the
need for spiritual renewal among the clergy and laity.
 Dekike Estifanos' visions and teachings attracted a large following,
including many who were dissatisfied with the state of the Ethiopian
church and sought a more personal and transformative religious
experience.
 Her movement challenged established religious practices and called for
a return to a purer form of worship.
2.4 Discuss Emperor Zara-Yaqob’s religious reforms?
Emperor Zara-Yaqob, also known as Za-Iyasus, was an influential ruler
of the Ethiopian Empire who reigned from 1434 to 1468. He is
remembered for his significant religious reforms, which aimed to
strengthen the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and promote religious and
moral integrity.
During his reign, Emperor Zara-Yaqob implemented various reforms to
combat what he perceived as a decline in religious devotion and moral
standards. Some of the key features of his religious reforms were:
1. Centralization of Church Authority: Emperor Zara-Yaqob sought to
centralize the authority of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church under the royal
government. He regulated the appointment of bishops and clergy,
ensuring that they were selected based on merit and adherence to
orthodox teachings.
2. Expansion of Monasticism: The emperor encouraged the growth of
monastic communities throughout Ethiopia. He constructed monasteries

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and provided support for monks and nuns, considering them to be crucial
for maintaining religious purity and spiritual discipline.
3. Religious Education and Literacy: Emperor Zara-Yaqob emphasized
the importance of education and literacy for clergy and the general
population. He sponsored the translation of religious texts, including the
Bible, into the Ge'ez language to make them more accessible and
promoted education for both religious and secular purposes.
4. Moral Reforms: The emperor was committed to upholding moral
standards in society and sought to combat various social issues. He
introduced laws against slavery, adultery, and other immoral behaviors.
He also enforced a stricter observance of religious fasting and the
Sabbath.
5. Religious Tolerance: Despite his efforts to strengthen the Ethiopian
Orthodox Church, Emperor Zara-Yaqob demonstrated a level of religious
tolerance. He respected the rights of Jews and Muslims within his empire,
allowing them to practice their own faiths to some extent.
Emperor Zara-Yaqob's religious reforms aimed to bring about a sense of
religious and moral renewal within Ethiopia. While some of his policies
were met with resistance, his reign marked a notable period of religious
revival and institutional reform within the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
His efforts contributed to the strengthening of the Church's authority and
its role as a unifying force in Ethiopian society.

2.5 Explain the concept of religious revivalism.

Religious revivalism refers to a renewed interest and enthusiasm for
religious beliefs and practices within a particular faith or religious
community. It involves a revitalization or renewal of religious
commitment and devotion among individuals and communities, often
driven by a desire for spiritual connection and personal transformation.

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1. Renewed Zeal: Revival movements emphasize a passionate and fervent
engagement with religious practices, teachings, and worship. There is an
increased focus on personal spiritual experiences and a desire for a deeper
connection with the divine.
2. Emotional Intensity: Revivalism often entails emotional experiences,
with individuals expressing intense feelings of joy, sorrow, repentance, or
spiritual ecstasy during religious gatherings and services. Emotionalism
serves as an important component of revivalist practices, encouraging
individuals to experience a personal encounter with the divine.
3. Reemphasis on Core Beliefs: Revivals typically involve a renewed
emphasis on foundational beliefs, doctrines, and spiritual practices that
may have been neglected or downplayed. Revivalists aim to reinvigorate
and reinforce these core aspects of their faith, often returning to
traditional teachings and practices.
4. Mass Gatherings and Evangelism: Revival movements often involve
large-scale gatherings, such as revival meetings, tent revivals, or spiritual
retreats. These events provide a platform for preaching, teaching,
worship, and personal testimonies, with the goal of inspiring and
converting individuals to a renewed commitment to their faith.
5. Call for Personal Transformation: Revivalists seek to bring about
individual and communal transformation through religious experiences.
This may involve calls for repentance, a recommitment to ethical living,
and a deepening of personal faith. Revival movements often emphasize
the power of personal conversion and spiritual awakening as pathways to
salvation or enlightenment.
6. Social and Cultural Impact: Revival movements can have significant
social and cultural impact, influencing not only individual religious
practices but also broader societal attitudes and behaviors. They may
inspire social reform movements, contribute to charitable and

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 humanitarian efforts, or influence cultural expressions such as music, art,
and literature.
Overall, religious revivalism represents a recurring phenomenon in
religious history, responding to specific historical and cultural
contexts.transformations at both the individual and communal levels.
3.Discuss the socio-economic and political circumstances that

gave rise to the Gibe monarchies in Ethiopia.

The rise of the Gibe monarchies in Ethiopia can be attributed to various socio-
economic and political circumstances. Here are some key factors that played a
role in their emergence:
1. Regional Fragmentation: During the 16th and 17th centuries, Ethiopia
experienced a period of regional fragmentation, with numerous local rulers
exerting authority over their respective territories. This decentralization of
power created favorable conditions for the emergence of new monarchies,
including the Gibe kingdom.
2. Internal Conflicts and Dynastic Struggles: Ethiopia during this period was
characterized by internal conflicts and dynastic struggles for power. These
power struggles provided opportunities for ambitious leaders to establish
themselves as local kings and build their own monarchies.
3. Strategic Geographic Position: The Gibe region, located in southwestern
Ethiopia, held strategic significance due to its proximity to fertile lands, natural
resources, and trade routes. This favorable location allowed the Gibe
monarchies to benefit from trade and agricultural production.
4. Control over Important Resources: The Gibe monarchies gained control over
valuable resources such as fertile agricultural lands, rivers, and livestock.
Having control over these resources allowed the Gibe rulers to accumulate
wealth and exert economic influence.
5. Military Strength: The Gibe monarchies were often characterized by strong
military forces, which played a crucial role in their rise to power. These military
capabilities helped the Gibe rulers defend their territories, resist external threats,
and expand their influence through conquest.
6. Patron-Client Relationships: The Gibe monarchies were known for
establishing patron-client relationships with neighboring communities and
tribes. This allowed them to gain support, loyalty, and manpower from these
groups, further consolidating their rule.

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7. Institutionalization of Authority: The Gibe monarchies developed
administrative structures and institutions to govern their territories effectively.
These institutions helped maintain social order, collect taxes, and enforce laws,
contributing to the stability and longevity of their rule.

4.Elaborate the role of local and long-distance trade in the

interactions between peoples and states of Ethiopia and the horn
Local and long-distance trade have played a fundamental role in the interactions
between peoples and states in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa. Trade has served
as a means of facilitating economic exchange, cultural diffusion, and political
relationships in the region. Here are some key aspects of the role of trade in the
interactions between Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa:
 . Cultural Exchange: Trade has been a significant vehicle for the
exchange of ideas, beliefs, and cultural practices between different ethnic
groups in Ethiopia and the Horn. As goods and commodities were traded,
so too were cultural artifacts, technology, and social customs, leading to
the diffusion and integration of various cultural elements.
 Economic Development: Trade, both at the local and long-distance level,
has played a crucial role in the economic development of Ethiopia and the
Horn of Africa. The availability of diverse resources and commodities
enabled regions to engage in specialization and trade, fostering economic
growth and development.
 Influence on Political Relationships: Trade routes and networks served
not only as channels for economic exchange but also as conduits for
diplomatic and political relationships in the region. The control and
access to trade routes often shaped alliances, rivalries, and conflicts
between different states and peoples.
 Development of Urban Centers: Trade has been instrumental in the
growth and development of urban centers in Ethiopia and the Horn of
Africa. Trading hubs and market towns emerged as centers of economic
activity and cultural exchange, attracting people from diverse
backgrounds and fostering cosmopolitan environments.
 Integration of the Horn of Africa: Trade has been a unifying factor for the
peoples of the Horn of Africa, connecting them through networks of
exchange and fostering interdependence. The trade routes linking
Ethiopia with neighboring regions, such as the Red Sea and the Arabian
Peninsula, facilitated the flow of goods, ideas, and people, contributing to
a shared regional identity.

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  Power Dynamics: Control over trade routes and resources has often been
a source of competition and conflict in the region. States and regions with
strategic access to valuable trade routes, such as the coastal regions, had a
significant advantage in terms of wealth and influence.
 Impact of External Trade: Long-distance trade with external powers,
such as Arab, Persian, and later European traders, had wide-ranging
effects on the region's politics, economy, and culture. These interactions
brought new ideas, technologies, and goods, while also introducing new
political and economic dynamics.

5.What was the major source of rivalry between the Christian

kingdom and the Muslim Sultanates in medieval and post
medieval periods? What role did religion play in the conflict
between the two?
The major source of rivalry between the Christian kingdom and the Muslim
Sultanates in medieval and post-medieval periods was the control and
possession of land, particularly in the regions of the Mediterranean, Middle
East, and the Iberian Peninsula. Religion played a significant role in fueling and
perpetuating this conflict.
During this time, both Christianity and Islam were expansionist religions,
seeking to spread their influence and control over territories. As a result, there
were numerous territorial disputes and conflicts between the Christian
kingdoms and the Muslim Sultanates.
Religion played a central role in these conflicts as both sides viewed themselves
as defenders of their respective faiths. The Christians saw it as their duty to
spread Christianity and reclaim territories that they believed were historically
Christian, such as Jerusalem. The Muslims, on the other hand, believed in the
concept of "Dar al-Islam," or the realm of Islam, and considered it their duty to
protect and expand their territories under Islamic rule.
The Crusades are a prime example of how religion played a significant role in
the conflict between the Christian kingdom and the Muslim Sultanates. The
Crusades were a series of military expeditions launched by European Christians
between the 11th and 13th centuries with the goal of recapturing the Holy Land
(Jerusalem) from Muslim control. These wars were explicitly religious in nature
and fueled by a desire to regain control of the birthplace of Christianity.
.

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Summary
The legend of the Queen of Sheba is deeply rooted in Ethiopian history and its
influence on Ethiopian politics is significant. According to Ethiopian tradition,
the Queen of Sheba, also known as Makeda, ruled over an ancient kingdom and
embarked on a legendary journey to visit King Solomon of Israel.

Territorial expansion has played a significant role in shaping the Ethiopia we

see today. Throughout its long history, Ethiopia has expanded its borders
through various conquests and annexations, which have had both positive and
negative consequences for the country.

The rise of the Gibe monarchies in Ethiopia can be attributed to various socio-
economic and political circumstances.

Local and long-distance trade have played a fundamental role in the interactions
between peoples and states in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.

The major source of rivalry between the Christian kingdom and the Muslim
Sultanates in medieval and post-medieval periods was the control and
possession of land, particularly in the regions of the Mediterranean, Middle
East, and the Iberian Peninsula.

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References
[1]. "A History of Ethiopia" written by Harold G. Marcus
[2]. "The Ethiopian Borderlands: Essays in Regional History from Ancient
Times to the End of the 18th Century" edited by Richard Pankhurst
[3]."The Ethiopian Achievement: From Adwa to Haile Selassie" by Stuart
Munro-Hay
[4]."Ethiopia: A Cultural History" by Stuart Munro-Hay
[5]. "The Making of Modern Ethiopia: 1896-1974" by Bahru Zewde
[6]. "The Queen of Sheba and Her Only Son Menyelek" by E. A. Wallis Budge
[7]."The Signifying Monkey: A Theory of African American Literary
Criticism" by Henry Louis Gates Jr

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