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Fasilides: The Emperor Who Built Gondar and Closed Ethiopia to Jesuits
Description
In this episode of Ethiopia's Ancient Empire, Lucas and Luna explore the reign of Emperor Fasilides (r. 1632–1667), the founder of Gondar and the architect of Ethiopia's restoration after the Jesuit experiment. They discuss how Fasilides expelled the Portuguese missionaries, closed Ethiopia to European influence for two centuries, and built the magnificent Fasil Ghebbi castle complex in Gondar. The conversation also covers his diplomatic isolation, his construction of Debre Berhan Selassie church, and the enduring legacy of the Gondarine period. Listeners will learn about the Council of Dabra Asbatha (1632) that ended Jesuit influence, the role of Empress Mentewab's later rule, and how Fasilides' decisions shaped Ethiopia's identity until the modern era. A story of independence, architecture, and faith.