Home Quiz 1. What led rulers of the "Solomonic''dynasty to construct a 'Royal Prison at AmbaGishen? 2. List some features of the movemnts of Ewostatewos and Dekike Estifanos? 3. Discuss Emperor Zara -Yaqob's religious reforms? 4. Describe the circumstances that gave rise to the sultanate of Ifat. ? 5. Discuss the nature and contents of Ethiopia's external relations during this period?

**Home Quiz Answers:**<br /><br />**1. Construction of the Royal Prison at AmbaGishen:**<br /><br />Rulers of the Solomonic dynasty constructed the royal prison at AmbaGishen primarily for two reasons:<br /><br />* **Political Control:** AmbaGishen's remote and isolated location made it an ideal place to imprison rebellious family members, political rivals, and other potential threats to the throne. This helped consolidate power and prevent uprisings. Imprisonment at AmbaGishen often meant effective removal from political life.<br />* **Dynastic Succession Disputes:** The Solomonic dynasty often faced succession crises. Imprisoning potential claimants to the throne at AmbaGishen neutralized them as threats and helped maintain a semblance of order during transitions of power. It became a customary practice to confine potential rivals to prevent civil war.<br /><br />**2. Features of the Movements of Ewostatewos and Dekike Estifanos:**<br /><br />Both Ewostatewos and Dekike Estifanos were important religious figures in Ethiopian history who advocated for reforms within the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Some shared features of their movements include:<br /><br />* **Emphasis on Sabbath Observance:** Both figures stressed adherence to the Sabbath, a practice that differed from the established Church's interpretation. This became a central point of contention.<br />* **Challenges to Existing Church Hierarchy:** They questioned the authority and practices of some within the Church hierarchy, leading to accusations of heresy. They advocated for stricter adherence to religious law.<br />* **Focus on Monastic Reform:** Both movements sought to reform monastic life, emphasizing stricter adherence to monastic rules and a return to simpler, more devout practices.<br />* **Popular Support:** Despite opposition from the Church hierarchy, both movements gained significant popular support, particularly among certain segments of the population.<br /><br />**3. Emperor Zara-Yaqob's Religious Reforms:**<br /><br />Emperor Zara-Yaqob (1434-1468) implemented significant religious reforms aimed at unifying the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and addressing theological disputes. Key reforms included:<br /><br />* **Resolution of Christological Disputes:** He addressed controversies surrounding the nature of Christ, affirming the doctrine of the two natures of Christ – divine and human – in one person. This helped solidify orthodox doctrine.<br />* **Suppression of Heresies:** Zara-Yaqob took strong measures against perceived heresies, including those related to Sabbath observance and the veneration of saints. He convened councils to settle these disputes.<br />* **Emphasis on Religious Education:** He promoted religious education and literacy, encouraging the translation and dissemination of religious texts.<br />* **Strengthening of Church Hierarchy:** Zara-Yaqob reinforced the authority of the metropolitan (the head of the Ethiopian Church) and established clearer hierarchical structures within the Church.<br />* **Reform of Monastic Practices:** He addressed issues within the monasteries, promoting stricter adherence to monastic rules and attempting to curb corruption.<br /><br />**4. Circumstances Giving Rise to the Sultanate of Ifat:**<br /><br />The Sultanate of Ifat emerged in the late 13th century due to several factors:<br /><br />* **Decline of the Makhzumi Dynasty:** The weakening of the Makhzumi dynasty, which had previously controlled the area, created a power vacuum.<br />* **Rise of Islam:** The spread of Islam in the region provided a unifying force and a new basis for political organization.<br />* **Strategic Location:** Ifat's location along trade routes gave it economic and political importance, allowing it to accumulate wealth and power.<br />* **Resistance to Christian Expansion:** The rise of Ifat can also be seen as a reaction to the expansionist policies of the Christian Ethiopian kingdom. Ifat became a center of resistance.<br /><br />**5. Nature and Contents of Ethiopia's External Relations During This Period:**<br /><br />Ethiopia's external relations during this period (roughly the 13th-15th centuries) were complex and multifaceted:<br /><br />* **Relations with Muslim Sultanates:** Ethiopia experienced periods of both conflict and cooperation with neighboring Muslim sultanates, including Ifat, Adal, and others. Trade and religious differences were often sources of tension.<br />* **Connections with the Mamluk Sultanate of Egypt:** Ethiopia maintained diplomatic contacts with the Mamluks, primarily concerning the appointment of the metropolitan (the head of the Ethiopian Church), who was traditionally an Egyptian Copt.<br />* **Limited Contact with Europe:** While some limited contact with Europe existed, particularly through pilgrims and travelers, Ethiopia remained largely isolated from European affairs during this period.<br />* **Focus on Regional Affairs:** Ethiopia's primary focus was on regional dynamics, managing relationships with neighboring states and consolidating its own internal power.<br />