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The Zagwe Dynasty: Ethiopia's Medieval Power Before Lalibela
Season 3
Episode 137
Published 2 months ago
Description
Before Lalibela carved his famous churches from rock, the Zagwe dynasty ruled Ethiopia from their capital at Roha (later renamed Lalibela). This episode traces the rise of the Zagwe from their Agaw origins, their contested claim to power after the decline of Aksum, and the reign of King Gebre Mesqel Lalibela. We explore how the dynasty transformed the highlands into a sacred landscape, building monolithic churches not only at Lalibela but also at Yemrehanna Krestos, and how the Solomonic restoration under Yekuno Amlak ended Zagwe rule. The episode also examines the Zagwe's lasting architectural legacy and their role in shaping the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church during a period of isolation from the wider Christian world.