Tuesday, 7 December 2010
Thursday, 11 November 2010
Lalibela Ethiopia
Dear Guests
Ethiopia is a unique country and wonderland. Its historical places such as Axum, Lalibela, Harar, Gonder e.t.c, its endemic animals, landscapes, smiling people all these are a unique Ethiopian treasury and tourist attractions.
Lalibela town is a blessed land and amazing Cultural site of Ethiopia. However it was isolated from visitors for centuries.
Ethiopia is a unique country and wonderland. Its historical places such as Axum, Lalibela, Harar, Gonder e.t.c, its endemic animals, landscapes, smiling people all these are a unique Ethiopian treasury and tourist attractions.
Lalibela town is a blessed land and amazing Cultural site of Ethiopia. However it was isolated from visitors for centuries.
Ethiopia Holidays, Events and festives
Enkutatash- New Year
Date: 11 September
This festival celebrates both the New Year and the Feast of John the Baptist at the end of the long rains in Spring, when the Highlands become covered in wild flowers. Children dressed in new clothes dance through the villages, distributing garlands and tiny paintings. In the evening every house lights a bonfire and there is singing and dancing.
Maskal- Finding of the True Cross,
Date: 27 September
On the day of the festival, bright yellow Maskal daisies are tied to fronds, and piled high in town squares. Colourful processions carrying buming torches converge on to the square, where a pyre is lit and the celebrations continue until dawn.
Feast of St Gabriel
Date: 28 December
Genna: Ethiopian Christmas: birth of Christ)
Date: 7 January
This is to celebrate the birth of Christ and King Lalibela. On Christmas Eve Lalibela town is crowded with pilgrims from all parts of the country and abroad. They remain outdoors all night, praying and chanting. In the morning, a colorful procession makes its way to a nearby hilltop where a service is held. Those who worship are fed with bread and wine that has been blessed by priests. After the service is over the rest of the day is spent dancing, playing sport and feasting.
Timkat: Ethiopian Epiphany: (baptism of Christ)
Date: 19January
Timket celebrates the Baptism of Jesus. This festival is best known for its ritual reenactment of baptism. This is anextremely colourful three-day festival commemorating the baptism of Christ.
Ethiopian Good Friday:
Date: May (variable)
Good Friday in Ethiopia is the day that marks when Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross for our salvation.
Fasika: (Ethiopian Easter Sunday)
Date: May (variable)
Fasika (Easter) is celebrated after 55 days severe Lent fasting. Orthodox Tewahedo Christians do not eat meat and diary products for the whole 55 days. The fist meal of the day is taken after 3 PM (9 o'clock in the afternoon Ethiopian time) during the fasting days, except Saturdays and Sundays, hwere a meal is
allowed after the morning service. On Easter eve people go to church and celebrate with candles which are lit during a colorful Easter Mass service which begins at about 6 PM (12 o'clock in the evening Ethiopian time) and ends at about 2 AM (8 o'clock after mid-night Ethiopian time). Everyone goes home to break the fast with the meat of chicken or lamb, slaughtered the previous night after 6 PM, accompanied with injera and traditional drinks (i.e. tella or tej). Like Christmas, Easter is also a day of family re-union, an expression of good wishes with exchange of gifts (i.e. lamb, goat, or loaf of bread).
Buhe :
Date: 21 August
Bands of small boys call at each house, singing and jostling until they are given some fresh dough (buhe), that is being prepared for baking. In the evening, bonfires are lit outside each house.
Lasta Lalibela Great Run, Ethiopia
Date:
Lasta Lalibela Music Festival,
Ethiopia
Date:
Date: 11 September
This festival celebrates both the New Year and the Feast of John the Baptist at the end of the long rains in Spring, when the Highlands become covered in wild flowers. Children dressed in new clothes dance through the villages, distributing garlands and tiny paintings. In the evening every house lights a bonfire and there is singing and dancing.
Maskal- Finding of the True Cross,
Date: 27 September
On the day of the festival, bright yellow Maskal daisies are tied to fronds, and piled high in town squares. Colourful processions carrying buming torches converge on to the square, where a pyre is lit and the celebrations continue until dawn.
Feast of St Gabriel
Date: 28 December
Genna: Ethiopian Christmas: birth of Christ)
Date: 7 January
This is to celebrate the birth of Christ and King Lalibela. On Christmas Eve Lalibela town is crowded with pilgrims from all parts of the country and abroad. They remain outdoors all night, praying and chanting. In the morning, a colorful procession makes its way to a nearby hilltop where a service is held. Those who worship are fed with bread and wine that has been blessed by priests. After the service is over the rest of the day is spent dancing, playing sport and feasting.
Timkat: Ethiopian Epiphany: (baptism of Christ)
Date: 19January
Timket celebrates the Baptism of Jesus. This festival is best known for its ritual reenactment of baptism. This is anextremely colourful three-day festival commemorating the baptism of Christ.
Ethiopian Good Friday:
Date: May (variable)
Good Friday in Ethiopia is the day that marks when Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross for our salvation.
Fasika: (Ethiopian Easter Sunday)
Date: May (variable)
Fasika (Easter) is celebrated after 55 days severe Lent fasting. Orthodox Tewahedo Christians do not eat meat and diary products for the whole 55 days. The fist meal of the day is taken after 3 PM (9 o'clock in the afternoon Ethiopian time) during the fasting days, except Saturdays and Sundays, hwere a meal is
allowed after the morning service. On Easter eve people go to church and celebrate with candles which are lit during a colorful Easter Mass service which begins at about 6 PM (12 o'clock in the evening Ethiopian time) and ends at about 2 AM (8 o'clock after mid-night Ethiopian time). Everyone goes home to break the fast with the meat of chicken or lamb, slaughtered the previous night after 6 PM, accompanied with injera and traditional drinks (i.e. tella or tej). Like Christmas, Easter is also a day of family re-union, an expression of good wishes with exchange of gifts (i.e. lamb, goat, or loaf of bread).
Buhe :
Date: 21 August
Bands of small boys call at each house, singing and jostling until they are given some fresh dough (buhe), that is being prepared for baking. In the evening, bonfires are lit outside each house.
Lasta Lalibela Great Run, Ethiopia
Date:
Lasta Lalibela Music Festival,
Ethiopia
Date:
Ethiopia
Historical Ethiopia
3 September 2007
All Africa
Ethiopia is the epitome of the entire sub-Sahara ecosystem where rare indigenous animals roam free, birdlife abounds and colorful wild flowers and native plants carpet the land.
Ethiopia is a nation comprising more than 80 different ethnic groups, the heritage and traditions of each blending to form a unique and colorful mosaic.
Ethiopia is old beyond imagination, dating to the very beginning of mankind. It is also the land of the Queen of Sheba, a place of legendary rulers, fabulous kingdoms and ancient mysteries.
Ethiopia, the oldest independent nation in Africa, has a heritage dating back to the first century AD. Traders from Greece, Rome, Persia and Egypt knew of the riches of what is now Ethiopia, and by the first century AD, Axum was the capital of a great empire. This realm became one of the first Christian lands of Africa. Late in the 10th century, Axum declined and a new Zagwe dynasty, centered in what is now Lalibela, ruled the land. Axum, Lalibela and Gonder now provide the greatest historical legacy. It was in the 16th Century that the son of the great explorer Vasco Da Gama came to Ethiopia. He found a land of many kingdoms and provinces beset by feuds and war.
In the 19th century, under the leadership of the great Emperor Menelik, the country's passage to modernization began. The following are some of Ethiopia's historical attractions.
Axum
Axum, Ethiopia's most ancient city, and capital of one of the most glorious empires of the past, is one of the most illustrious links on the Historic Route. The Axumite Empire flourished 3,000 years ago. Its riches can still be pictured on the magnificent obelisks, the graves of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskal, and the legendary bath of the Queen of Sheba.
The 16th Century Cathedral of St Mary of Zion was built based on an earlier 4th Century church, and is the holiest church in Ethiopia. In its sanctuary is said to rest the original Ark of the Covenant.
The churches and monasteries of Axum houses are richly endowed with icons, and some of the historical crowns of ancient emperors.
Debre Damo
Some 76 km from Axum is the monastery of Debre Damo, which is said to have the oldest existing intact church in Ethiopia. Local tradition says that Abune Aregawi, one of the nine saints, built the church in the 16th Century. The Monastery of Debre Damo can only be reached by rope pulley. It is worth noting that the monastery is closed to women.
Yeha
Some 55 km east of Axum is the 5th Century B.C temple of Yeha. Its massive walls house Judaic relics and historic artifacts.
Lalibela
King Lalibela is credited with the founding of the 11 rock-hewn churches in the 12th century. One of the world's most incredible man-made creations, they are a lasting monument to man's faith in God. These remarkable edifices were carved out of solid rock, in a region where the rugged landscape still protects the churches from mass tourism. The 11 man-made churches are found in and around the town of Lalibela. Other churches are reached by a 45-minute in a four-wheel drive or a three-hour mule ride.
The venue for some of the most famous church festivals in Ethiopia, a visit during the great celebrations of Timket (Epiphany), is particularly rewarding.
Bahir Dar
More picture (http://www.garba.cz/etiopie/et_falls_e.html)
Bahir Dar is a small town set on the south-eastern shore of Lake Tana, where local fishermen still use papyrus boats. It is just 30 km from the spectacular Tisisat Falls. Here the Blue Nile creates "Smoking Water", an awe-inspiring sight as it plunges into the gorge below.
From Bahir Dar you can explore some of the ancient monasteries that have been built around Lake Tana, or on its many islands. These include Dek Stephanos with its priceless collections of icons, the remains of several medieval emperors, Kebran Gabriel and Ura Kidane Mihret with its famous frescoes. The colorful local market at Bahir Dar is renowned for its weavers and wood workers.
Gondar
'Fasilidas' Bath' and Gondar was the 17th century capital of Ethiopia and is notable for its medieval castles and churches. The City's unique imperial compound contains a number of castles built between 1632 and 1855 by the various emperors who reigned during this period. These dramatic castles, unlike others in Africa, display richness in architecture that reveals the Axumite traditions as well as the influence of Arabia.
Other treasures of Gondar include the 18th century palace of Ras Beit, the bath of Fasilades, the ruined palace of Kusquam, and the church of Debre Berhane Selassie with its unique murals.
Makale
Although Lalibela is unique, it is not the sole site of Ethiopia's famous rock-hewn churches. In Tigray near Makale, over 200 fine examples of these monuments to man's devotion to God, as well as his building skills, may be seen.
The capital of the Emperor Yohannnes IV (1871-1889), Makale is now the main town of Tigray, the northern-most Ethiopian region. The emperor's palace has been turned into a particularly interesting museum, with many exhibits of his time and subsequent history. The town is also well-known as a transit point for the camel caravans bringing salt up from the arid lands of the Danakil Depression. Intrepid visitors can also make excursions into the Danakil to visit some of the Afar nomads that trek across the region.
Harar
Dating back to 1520, the city of Harar is an ancient and holy city. Always an important trading centre, the city is famous for its ancient buildings, its great city walls and with 99 mosques; the town is also known as a centre of Muslim learning. The city is noted for its superb handicrafts that include woven textiles, basket ware, silverware and handsomely bound books. Harar has been a place of pilgrimage from all over the world for many years.
Harar's attractions:
- The City Walls
The City Walls, and the narrow streets lined with traditional Harari gegar houses.
- Rimbaud House
A fine example of a traditional house, dating from the period when the French poet Rimbaud lived in Harar.
- The Hyena Man
As evening falls, local men attract wild hyenas to the city. In a bizarre spectacle they bravely feed these dangerous scavengers.
3 September 2007
All Africa
Ethiopia is the epitome of the entire sub-Sahara ecosystem where rare indigenous animals roam free, birdlife abounds and colorful wild flowers and native plants carpet the land.
Ethiopia is a nation comprising more than 80 different ethnic groups, the heritage and traditions of each blending to form a unique and colorful mosaic.
Ethiopia is old beyond imagination, dating to the very beginning of mankind. It is also the land of the Queen of Sheba, a place of legendary rulers, fabulous kingdoms and ancient mysteries.
Ethiopia, the oldest independent nation in Africa, has a heritage dating back to the first century AD. Traders from Greece, Rome, Persia and Egypt knew of the riches of what is now Ethiopia, and by the first century AD, Axum was the capital of a great empire. This realm became one of the first Christian lands of Africa. Late in the 10th century, Axum declined and a new Zagwe dynasty, centered in what is now Lalibela, ruled the land. Axum, Lalibela and Gonder now provide the greatest historical legacy. It was in the 16th Century that the son of the great explorer Vasco Da Gama came to Ethiopia. He found a land of many kingdoms and provinces beset by feuds and war.
In the 19th century, under the leadership of the great Emperor Menelik, the country's passage to modernization began. The following are some of Ethiopia's historical attractions.
Axum
Axum, Ethiopia's most ancient city, and capital of one of the most glorious empires of the past, is one of the most illustrious links on the Historic Route. The Axumite Empire flourished 3,000 years ago. Its riches can still be pictured on the magnificent obelisks, the graves of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskal, and the legendary bath of the Queen of Sheba.
The 16th Century Cathedral of St Mary of Zion was built based on an earlier 4th Century church, and is the holiest church in Ethiopia. In its sanctuary is said to rest the original Ark of the Covenant.
The churches and monasteries of Axum houses are richly endowed with icons, and some of the historical crowns of ancient emperors.
Debre Damo
Some 76 km from Axum is the monastery of Debre Damo, which is said to have the oldest existing intact church in Ethiopia. Local tradition says that Abune Aregawi, one of the nine saints, built the church in the 16th Century. The Monastery of Debre Damo can only be reached by rope pulley. It is worth noting that the monastery is closed to women.
Yeha
Some 55 km east of Axum is the 5th Century B.C temple of Yeha. Its massive walls house Judaic relics and historic artifacts.
Lalibela
King Lalibela is credited with the founding of the 11 rock-hewn churches in the 12th century. One of the world's most incredible man-made creations, they are a lasting monument to man's faith in God. These remarkable edifices were carved out of solid rock, in a region where the rugged landscape still protects the churches from mass tourism. The 11 man-made churches are found in and around the town of Lalibela. Other churches are reached by a 45-minute in a four-wheel drive or a three-hour mule ride.
The venue for some of the most famous church festivals in Ethiopia, a visit during the great celebrations of Timket (Epiphany), is particularly rewarding.
Bahir Dar
More picture (http://www.garba.cz/etiopie/et_falls_e.html)
Bahir Dar is a small town set on the south-eastern shore of Lake Tana, where local fishermen still use papyrus boats. It is just 30 km from the spectacular Tisisat Falls. Here the Blue Nile creates "Smoking Water", an awe-inspiring sight as it plunges into the gorge below.
From Bahir Dar you can explore some of the ancient monasteries that have been built around Lake Tana, or on its many islands. These include Dek Stephanos with its priceless collections of icons, the remains of several medieval emperors, Kebran Gabriel and Ura Kidane Mihret with its famous frescoes. The colorful local market at Bahir Dar is renowned for its weavers and wood workers.
Gondar
'Fasilidas' Bath' and Gondar was the 17th century capital of Ethiopia and is notable for its medieval castles and churches. The City's unique imperial compound contains a number of castles built between 1632 and 1855 by the various emperors who reigned during this period. These dramatic castles, unlike others in Africa, display richness in architecture that reveals the Axumite traditions as well as the influence of Arabia.
Other treasures of Gondar include the 18th century palace of Ras Beit, the bath of Fasilades, the ruined palace of Kusquam, and the church of Debre Berhane Selassie with its unique murals.
Makale
Although Lalibela is unique, it is not the sole site of Ethiopia's famous rock-hewn churches. In Tigray near Makale, over 200 fine examples of these monuments to man's devotion to God, as well as his building skills, may be seen.
The capital of the Emperor Yohannnes IV (1871-1889), Makale is now the main town of Tigray, the northern-most Ethiopian region. The emperor's palace has been turned into a particularly interesting museum, with many exhibits of his time and subsequent history. The town is also well-known as a transit point for the camel caravans bringing salt up from the arid lands of the Danakil Depression. Intrepid visitors can also make excursions into the Danakil to visit some of the Afar nomads that trek across the region.
Harar
Dating back to 1520, the city of Harar is an ancient and holy city. Always an important trading centre, the city is famous for its ancient buildings, its great city walls and with 99 mosques; the town is also known as a centre of Muslim learning. The city is noted for its superb handicrafts that include woven textiles, basket ware, silverware and handsomely bound books. Harar has been a place of pilgrimage from all over the world for many years.
Harar's attractions:
- The City Walls
The City Walls, and the narrow streets lined with traditional Harari gegar houses.
- Rimbaud House
A fine example of a traditional house, dating from the period when the French poet Rimbaud lived in Harar.
- The Hyena Man
As evening falls, local men attract wild hyenas to the city. In a bizarre spectacle they bravely feed these dangerous scavengers.
Thursday, 20 August 2009
Lalibela town
The Home of 11 Rock-hewn Churches, the unique and one of the world wonders, Lalibela is an ancient town in Lasta Province 642 kms from Addis Ababa to the North, 529 kms from Bahr Dar to the East, 529 kms from Axum to the south, 283 kms from Dessie and 120 kms Northwest of Woldia.
Lalibela was the capital of the Zagwe dynasty. Before the town rename as Lalibela it was known as Roha means the ‘Place of Saints’. The Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela reflect the blending of ancient Christian tradition in Ethiopia. Yet they are an entirely new creation of early Christian art on Ethiopian soil.
Lalibela town has got different names by its visitors: The New Jerusalem, the Second Jerusalem, the secret of Jerusalem, the eight wonder of the world, Heaven of God and others.
The World Heritage Committee entered World and Cultural heritages in its list for the first time in 1978. That time 11 of them were listed by UNESCO. Two of these Cultural and Natural Heritages belong to Ethiopia Rock-hewn Churches in Lalibela and the Simen Mountain. Of course the other Heritages of Ethiopia that listed by UNESCO include Fasil Ghibbi, Gondar (1979), Axum (1980), Lower Valley of the Awash (1980), Lower Valley of the Omo (1980) and Tiya (1980)
Prof. Richard Punkhurst
“ …there is something appealing about this legend, even to the most cynical and sophisticated of observers. Inevitably one finds oneself asking how, lacking modern technology and skills, mere human beings could have strange and massive edifies. The scale of some of the churches is so large, the detail so fine... For this was no simple matter of laying brick on brick stone block on stone block, the churches were literally cut, hewn carved out of the ancient granite of the mountain.”
Lalibela was the capital of the Zagwe dynasty. Before the town rename as Lalibela it was known as Roha means the ‘Place of Saints’. The Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela reflect the blending of ancient Christian tradition in Ethiopia. Yet they are an entirely new creation of early Christian art on Ethiopian soil.
Lalibela town has got different names by its visitors: The New Jerusalem, the Second Jerusalem, the secret of Jerusalem, the eight wonder of the world, Heaven of God and others.
The World Heritage Committee entered World and Cultural heritages in its list for the first time in 1978. That time 11 of them were listed by UNESCO. Two of these Cultural and Natural Heritages belong to Ethiopia Rock-hewn Churches in Lalibela and the Simen Mountain. Of course the other Heritages of Ethiopia that listed by UNESCO include Fasil Ghibbi, Gondar (1979), Axum (1980), Lower Valley of the Awash (1980), Lower Valley of the Omo (1980) and Tiya (1980)
Prof. Richard Punkhurst
“ …there is something appealing about this legend, even to the most cynical and sophisticated of observers. Inevitably one finds oneself asking how, lacking modern technology and skills, mere human beings could have strange and massive edifies. The scale of some of the churches is so large, the detail so fine... For this was no simple matter of laying brick on brick stone block on stone block, the churches were literally cut, hewn carved out of the ancient granite of the mountain.”
Tuesday, 4 August 2009
Tuesday, 23 December 2008
Lalibela town historical background
The downfall of the famous Axumite Empire was on the making for several factors. During the late sixth and early seventh centuries, war in the eastern Mediterranean reduced the market for luxury goods in the increasingly impoverished Roman Empire; then Persia (now Iraq) gained control of South Arabia threatening trade routes to India, and in the early eight century Arab forces destroyed Adulis the only port of Ethiopia in the North for that time. As a result Axum was isolated from the Red Sea trade and the region’s degraded agricultural base could no longer support the extravagances of the social hierarchy it had fostered, centralised power collapsed. Within a few generations Axum and its Satellite urban communities were reduced to loose clusters of villages, with a few residences of the elite established in defensive locations on steep hillsides.
Beginning around 750 AD, the region’s difficulties were increased by a decline in annual rainfall. The rainfall pattern reverted to the single season that had prevailed before Axum rose to wealth and power. Agricultural production was reduced still further. Even where soil fertility had been maintained, only one harvest per year could be expected. With this reversion to the Ethiopian plateau’s ancient rainfall pattern, the surviving population relied heavily on the food crop that had evolved in the region.
By 800 AD Axum had almost ceased to exist. The elite and sections of the common people abandoned the denuded landscape in favour of settlement on virgin soils of central Ethiopia. Then Axum became only as a symbol of Royal and religious authority.
At this difficult time the Felashas, Ethiopian Jews, refused to pay taxes to the Axumite kingdom and the king of Axum sent troops to the Felasha regions and forced them to pay taxes. Repeated raids frustrated the Felashas. In the 10th century, Queen Gudit who was born from the king called Gideon (Felasha family-Jewish) united the Felashas, and marched to Axum to try to remove the Axumite dynasty from Ethiopia once and for all. She destroyed Axum, overthrew and killed the King and Princes ending the Axumite kingdom.
The economic and political crises that started for the decline of Axume in the 7th century finally lead it to its collapse in the first mid of the 10th century. This also led to the rise of the Zagwe Dynasty. This period of history is known in Ethiopian tradition as end of the first millennium.
Following Queen Gudit's campaign against Axum, Mara Teklehaimanot who was known as one of the Axumite king’s General founded the Zagwe Dynasty. He became the first Zagwe King and ruled the country from his center in Lasta.
The House of Zagwe originally was in Bugna, then moved to Roha, a high and almost inaccessible, militarily strategic area of the Lasta Mountains. From here the Zagwe kings ruled almost all the territories of the Axum, except beyond the Red Sea. Its territories extended from the North, the Swakin port, Kartuom, Abay coasts around Assosa, Shewa except the hilly region of east of the Shewa plateau which lapsed in the face of the region’s increasing occupation by the Muslim rulers of Ifat and Hadya.
The duration of the Zagwe dynasty was approximately 300 years or a bit more, although there are no accurate and well recorded historical evedince of these leaders and the duration of their reign. The legendary sources are rare and inadequate.
The Zagwe rulers and their intention to create a powerful and great state could be witnessed by the Churches they constructed and the unique Monolithic Churches that they hewed some 900 years ago. These living legends of the Lalibela Rock hewn churches witness that Ethiopia was ahead many aspects politically, diplomatically, economically, and socially 900 years ago.
One of the most important features to the Zagwe rulers was that after they came to power they strengthen the Axumite Culture, protect and strengthen the Ethiopian sovereignty. Their most significant achievement during that remote past includes:
1. They strengthen the relation between different ethnic groups (Cushetic, Semetic, Omotic, Nilotic) who had different language and religion and promoted the Axumite Civilization.
2. They lead the Christians, Muslims and Jew society with out any violence, so that the country was peaceful during their era. They promoted diplomacy with the neighbouring Muslim countries.
3. Their neutral position and peace loving strategy keep their national security from the eve of the ‘Crusade’ devastation that was held between the European Christian and Middle East Muslims from 1095-1365.
4. Due to their peace loving and diplomatic ability they get a place to build Church in the holy city of Jerusalem. The people of Ethiopia were allowed to live with out trouble in the Muslim country.
5. They developed Ethiopian culture carved the Rock hewn churches in Lalibela, which are in the recent time known as the 8th wonder of world, and beyond Abay, during the difficult time for Ethiopian Christians to reach Jerusalem for pilgrims because of Crusade.
6. They have coined a new language, the Amharic, as a secret palace language which latter on to date has become the official language of Ethiopia.
Beginning around 750 AD, the region’s difficulties were increased by a decline in annual rainfall. The rainfall pattern reverted to the single season that had prevailed before Axum rose to wealth and power. Agricultural production was reduced still further. Even where soil fertility had been maintained, only one harvest per year could be expected. With this reversion to the Ethiopian plateau’s ancient rainfall pattern, the surviving population relied heavily on the food crop that had evolved in the region.
By 800 AD Axum had almost ceased to exist. The elite and sections of the common people abandoned the denuded landscape in favour of settlement on virgin soils of central Ethiopia. Then Axum became only as a symbol of Royal and religious authority.
At this difficult time the Felashas, Ethiopian Jews, refused to pay taxes to the Axumite kingdom and the king of Axum sent troops to the Felasha regions and forced them to pay taxes. Repeated raids frustrated the Felashas. In the 10th century, Queen Gudit who was born from the king called Gideon (Felasha family-Jewish) united the Felashas, and marched to Axum to try to remove the Axumite dynasty from Ethiopia once and for all. She destroyed Axum, overthrew and killed the King and Princes ending the Axumite kingdom.
The economic and political crises that started for the decline of Axume in the 7th century finally lead it to its collapse in the first mid of the 10th century. This also led to the rise of the Zagwe Dynasty. This period of history is known in Ethiopian tradition as end of the first millennium.
Following Queen Gudit's campaign against Axum, Mara Teklehaimanot who was known as one of the Axumite king’s General founded the Zagwe Dynasty. He became the first Zagwe King and ruled the country from his center in Lasta.
The House of Zagwe originally was in Bugna, then moved to Roha, a high and almost inaccessible, militarily strategic area of the Lasta Mountains. From here the Zagwe kings ruled almost all the territories of the Axum, except beyond the Red Sea. Its territories extended from the North, the Swakin port, Kartuom, Abay coasts around Assosa, Shewa except the hilly region of east of the Shewa plateau which lapsed in the face of the region’s increasing occupation by the Muslim rulers of Ifat and Hadya.
The duration of the Zagwe dynasty was approximately 300 years or a bit more, although there are no accurate and well recorded historical evedince of these leaders and the duration of their reign. The legendary sources are rare and inadequate.
The Zagwe rulers and their intention to create a powerful and great state could be witnessed by the Churches they constructed and the unique Monolithic Churches that they hewed some 900 years ago. These living legends of the Lalibela Rock hewn churches witness that Ethiopia was ahead many aspects politically, diplomatically, economically, and socially 900 years ago.
One of the most important features to the Zagwe rulers was that after they came to power they strengthen the Axumite Culture, protect and strengthen the Ethiopian sovereignty. Their most significant achievement during that remote past includes:
1. They strengthen the relation between different ethnic groups (Cushetic, Semetic, Omotic, Nilotic) who had different language and religion and promoted the Axumite Civilization.
2. They lead the Christians, Muslims and Jew society with out any violence, so that the country was peaceful during their era. They promoted diplomacy with the neighbouring Muslim countries.
3. Their neutral position and peace loving strategy keep their national security from the eve of the ‘Crusade’ devastation that was held between the European Christian and Middle East Muslims from 1095-1365.
4. Due to their peace loving and diplomatic ability they get a place to build Church in the holy city of Jerusalem. The people of Ethiopia were allowed to live with out trouble in the Muslim country.
5. They developed Ethiopian culture carved the Rock hewn churches in Lalibela, which are in the recent time known as the 8th wonder of world, and beyond Abay, during the difficult time for Ethiopian Christians to reach Jerusalem for pilgrims because of Crusade.
6. They have coined a new language, the Amharic, as a secret palace language which latter on to date has become the official language of Ethiopia.
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