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Fasilides and Gondar: Ethiopia's Age of Castles
Season 4
Episode 187
Published 1 month ago
Description
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the Gondarine period of Ethiopian history, focusing on Emperor Fasilides (Fasil) who restored Orthodox Christianity after the Catholic interlude of Susenyos and built a magnificent new capital at Gondar. They discuss the construction of the Fasil Ghebbi castle complex, the expulsion of the Jesuits, and the consolidation of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. The conversation also touches on the later Gondarine emperors, the decline of the era, and the architectural legacy that still stands today. Learn about the Council of Derssanie, the role of Empress Mentewab, and how Gondar became known as the 'Camelot of Africa'.