The Gondarine Period of Ethiopian History

The Gondarine Period (1636-1769)

• Gondar was established as a permanent capital city of the Christian highland kingdom around 1636 during the reign of Fasiledes (r. 1632-1667).
• The city was built with magnificent castles and palaces for kings, residences for the Abun and Echegge, and churches, showcasing an architectural style that combined elements from the Aksumite and Zagwe periods.

Gondar as a Center of Education, Art, and Trade

• Churches in Gondar became the main centers of education, music, and poetry, earning the city a reputation for its cultural and intellectual achievements.
• The city flourished with art forms such as church paintings, cross making, and calligraphy.
• Gondar was the center of the political, intellectual, religious, and economic life of the kingdom.
• The city was also a hub of active trade, dominated by Muslims, who were involved in weaving, while Bete-Israel (Ethiopian Jews) engaged in masonry, pottery, basketry, and metal works.

Communities in Gondar

• The city's diverse communities, including Muslims, Jews, and expatriates, lived apart from each other, with separate quarters provided for them in the outskirts of the city.
• By the late 18th century, Gondar had around 70,000 inhabitants from different religious and cultural groups.

Reign of the First Three Kings

• The reign of the first three kings, Fasiledes, Yohannis I, and Iyasu I, marked a period of glory and splendor for Gondar.
• Iyasu I, also known as Iyasu the Great, was the most powerful king, who campaigned southward across the Abay River to regain former provinces and collected annual tribute from Shewa.

Reforms of Iyasu I

• Iyasu I revised the traditional civil code, Fitha Negest, and amended land laws, reorganized taxes, and customs.
• His reforms promoted trade development and strengthened relations with Egypt.
• He also introduced a closed-door policy, which was later violated by himself.

Iyasu I's Downfall and Legacy

• Iyasu I's invitation to the French physician, Jaques Poncet, to cure his skin disease aroused suspicion among the clergy, leading to his flight and eventual murder.
• His son, Tekle Haymanot, succeeded him, but the death of Iyasu I marked the beginning of a period of political disorder and power struggles.

Learn about the Gondarine Period of Ethiopian history, which spans from 1636 to 1769. Discover how Gondar was established as the capital city and the architectural styles of the buildings during this period.