QUEENS’ COLLEGE DISTANCE EDUCATION DIVISION

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ASSIGNMENT

ON

HISTORY OF ETHIOPIA

Date: - _____________

Total Weight: - 30 %

Name: - _____________________________________________ ID NO: - ________________

Department: -_______________ Study center: -_____________ Entry year: - __________

Program: DEGREE

This is the only assignment of this course.

This assignment is to be completed and submitted to the office of your center. Do not
attempt the assignment until you are certain that you have understood the units it covers and
have revised your self-test exercises and learning activities, and other necessary references.

If you have any question about the units and activities, state the item/s clearly on a separate
sheet of paper and attach to your assignment paper.

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 ASSIGNMENT OF HISTORY OF ETHIOPIA AND THE HORN
1. List and discuss the uses of learning history

Learning history, also known as historical learning or studying history, has

several important uses and benefits. Here are some of the key uses of
learning history:

1. Understanding the Past: Learning history allows us to gain knowledge

and understanding of past events, civilizations, cultures, and societies. It
helps us comprehend how different factors and events have shaped the
world we live in today. By studying history, we can understand the causes
and consequences of past actions, decisions, and conflicts.

2. Developing Critical Thinking Skills: History encourages critical thinking

and analysis. It teaches us to evaluate and interpret various sources of
information, including primary and secondary historical documents,
artifacts, and accounts. By examining different perspectives and sources,
we can develop skills in analyzing evidence, identifying biases, and
forming well-reasoned arguments.

3. Learning from Mistakes: History provides valuable lessons from the

past. By studying historical events, we can learn from the successes and
failures of individuals, societies, and nations. Understanding past mistakes
can help us avoid repeating them and make informed decisions in the
present and future.

4. Cultivating Empathy and Tolerance: Learning history fosters empathy

and understanding towards different cultures, societies, and perspectives. It
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allows us to appreciate diversity and recognize the experiences and
struggles of people from different backgrounds. By studying history, we
can develop a more inclusive and tolerant worldview.

5. Informing Decision-Making: History provides a foundation for informed

decision-making. By examining historical patterns and trends, we can gain
insights into the consequences of certain actions and policies. Historical
knowledge can help policymakers, leaders, and individuals make more
informed choices and anticipate potential outcomes.

6. Preserving Cultural Heritage: History plays a crucial role in preserving

and understanding cultural heritage. By studying history, we can appreciate
and protect historical sites, artifacts, traditions, and languages. It helps us
maintain a connection to our roots and preserve the collective memory of
humanity.

7. Enhancing Citizenship and Civic Engagement: Learning history is

essential for active citizenship and civic engagement. It provides a deeper
understanding of democratic principles, human rights, and social justice.
By studying historical struggles for equality and justice, individuals can
become more engaged in shaping their communities and advocating for
positive change.

Overall, learning history serves as a vital tool for understanding the past,
developing critical thinking skills, learning from mistakes, fostering
empathy, informing decision-making, preserving cultural heritage, and
enhancing citizenship. It enables us to make sense of the world and
contribute to a better future.
2. Mention the major battles that Ethiopia fought against the foreign
aggression before the battle of Adwa.
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Before the Battle of Adwa in 1896, Ethiopia faced several major battles
against foreign aggression. Here are some notable battles:

1. Battle of Gundet (1875): Ethiopian forces, led by Emperor Yohannes IV,

successfully repelled an invasion by the forces of the Ottoman Empire. The
Ethiopian army defeated the Ottoman-Egyptian forces and secured their
independence.

2. Battle of Gura (1876): Emperor Yohannes IV's forces faced an invasion

by the Egyptian army under the command of Ismail Pasha. The Ethiopian
army emerged victorious, forcing the Egyptians to retreat and securing
Ethiopian independence.

3. Battle of Dogali (1887): Ethiopian forces clashed with Italian colonial

troops in the region of Dogali. The battle resulted in a victory for the
Italians, but it served as a catalyst for Ethiopian resistance against Italian
colonization.

4. Battle of Metemma (1889): Ethiopian forces, led by Emperor Menelik II,

confronted the Sudanese-Egyptian army under the command of British
General William Hicks. The Ethiopian army defeated the invading forces,
preventing their advance into Ethiopian territory.

These battles, along with other smaller skirmishes, demonstrated Ethiopia's

determination to resist foreign aggression and maintain its independence.
The victories in these battles laid the groundwork for the historic Battle of
Adwa in 1896, where Ethiopia decisively defeated the Italian army and
became the first African nation to successfully resist European
colonization.
3. Identify and discuss the prominent Leqa states.
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The Leqa states, also known as the Leqa Oromo states, were a group of
prominent states that emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries in the southern
part of present-day Ethiopia. These states were primarily inhabited by the
Oromo people and played a significant role in shaping the political
landscape of the region. Here are some of the prominent Leqa states:

1. Jimma: The Kingdom of Jimma was one of the most powerful Leqa
states. It was founded in the late 17th century and was ruled by the Abba
Jifar dynasty. Jimma became a major center of trade and agriculture,
known for its coffee production. The kingdom maintained diplomatic
relations with neighboring states and European powers.

2. Gomma: The Kingdom of Gomma was located to the south of Jimma

and was ruled by the Gomma dynasty. It was a significant regional power
and had close ties with Jimma. Gomma was known for its military strength
and played a crucial role in regional politics.

3. Limmu-Ennarea: The Kingdom of Limmu-Ennarea was situated to the

west of Jimma and was ruled by the Limmu dynasty. It was known for its
fertile lands and agricultural productivity. Limmu-Ennarea had a complex
political structure, with a council of elders playing a significant role in
decision-making.

4. Gera: The Kingdom of Gera was located to the east of Jimma and was
ruled by the Gera dynasty. It was a smaller state compared to Jimma but
had strategic importance due to its location along trade routes. Gera had a
strong military and maintained alliances with neighboring states.

These Leqa states had their own distinct cultures, traditions, and political
systems. They engaged in trade, agriculture, and diplomacy, and their rulers
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held significant power and influence in the region. The Leqa states played a
crucial role in the history of the Oromo people and the broader political
dynamics of Ethiopia.
4. Briefly describe the five Gibe states.

The Gibe states were a group of five prominent states that emerged in the
17th and 18th centuries in the southwestern part of present-day Ethiopia.
These states were primarily inhabited by the Oromo people and played a
significant role in the political and cultural history of the region. Here is a
brief description of the five Gibe states:

1. Gibe Kingdom: The Gibe Kingdom, also known as the Kingdom of Gibe
or Gibe State, was the largest and most powerful of the Gibe states. It was
located in the central part of the region and was ruled by the Gibe dynasty.
The kingdom had a strong military and controlled vast territories. It played
a crucial role in regional politics and maintained diplomatic relations with
neighboring states.

2. Gomma Kingdom: The Gomma Kingdom, also known as the Kingdom

of Gomma or Gomma State, was situated to the west of the Gibe Kingdom.
It was ruled by the Gomma dynasty and had close ties with the Gibe
Kingdom. Gomma was known for its agricultural productivity and trade
networks.

3. Gumma Kingdom: The Gumma Kingdom, also known as the Kingdom

of Gumma or Gumma State, was located to the east of the Gibe Kingdom.
It was ruled by the Gumma dynasty and had a strategic location along trade
routes. Gumma had a strong military and engaged in trade and agriculture.

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4. Gera Kingdom: The Gera Kingdom, also known as the Kingdom of Gera
or Gera State, was situated to the south of the Gibe Kingdom. It was ruled
by the Gera dynasty and had a smaller territory compared to the other Gibe
states. Gera had a strategic location and maintained alliances with
neighboring states.

5. Gidabo Kingdom: The Gidabo Kingdom, also known as the Kingdom of

Gidabo or Gidabo State, was located to the southwest of the Gibe
Kingdom. It was ruled by the Gidabo dynasty and had a diverse population.
Gidabo engaged in trade and agriculture and had cultural interactions with
neighboring states.

These Gibe states had their own distinct cultures, traditions, and political
systems. They played a significant role in the history of the Oromo people
and the broader political dynamics of the region. The Gibe states were
known for their military strength, trade networks, and agricultural
productivity.
5. What factors brought the Zagwe dynasty to an end?
The Zagwe dynasty, which ruled Ethiopia from the 10th to the 13th
century, came to an end due to several factors. Here are the main factors
that contributed to the downfall of the Zagwe dynasty:

1. Political Instability: The Zagwe dynasty faced internal conflicts and

power struggles among different factions within the ruling family. These
internal divisions weakened the dynasty and made it vulnerable to external
threats.

2. External Invasions: The Zagwe dynasty faced invasions from external

forces, particularly the expanding Muslim Sultanate of Ifat. The Ifat
Sultanate, led by the Walashma dynasty, sought to expand its influence and
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control over the Ethiopian highlands. The Zagwe rulers faced military
campaigns and territorial losses against the Ifat Sultanate.

3. Religious Opposition: The Zagwe dynasty faced opposition from the

Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which had been the dominant religious
institution in the region. The Zagwe rulers were seen as illegitimate by
some members of the church hierarchy, who believed that the Solomonic
dynasty should rightfully rule Ethiopia. This religious opposition weakened
the legitimacy and support for the Zagwe rulers.

4. Rise of the Solomonic Dynasty: The Solomonic dynasty, which claimed

descent from the biblical King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, had been
displaced by the Zagwe dynasty. Over time, the Solomonic dynasty gained
support and legitimacy among various factions, including the Ethiopian
Orthodox Church. The Solomonic dynasty, led by Yekuno Amlak,
eventually overthrew the Zagwe dynasty and established their rule, known
as the Solomonic Restoration.

These factors, including internal conflicts, external invasions, religious

opposition, and the rise of the Solomonic dynasty, collectively contributed
to the end of the Zagwe dynasty. The Solomonic dynasty would go on to
rule Ethiopia for several centuries, with intermittent interruptions, until the
overthrow of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1974.
6. Explain briefly the major features of Zemene Mesafint period.
The Zemene Mesafint, which translates to "Era of the Princes" in Amharic,
refers to a period in Ethiopian history from the mid-18th century to the
mid-19th century. It was characterized by a decentralized political system
and power struggles among regional warlords and noble families. Here are
the major features of the Zemene Mesafint period:

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1. Decentralization of Power: During this period, central authority in
Ethiopia weakened, and power became fragmented among regional
warlords and noble families. The Ethiopian monarchy, represented by the
Emperor, lost control over large parts of the country, leading to a highly
decentralized political structure.

2. Feudal System: The Zemene Mesafint period was marked by a feudal

system, where regional warlords and noble families held significant power
and controlled their territories. These local rulers, known as Ras or
Dejazmach, governed their regions autonomously and often engaged in
conflicts with each other.

3. Political Instability: The decentralization of power and the absence of a

strong central authority led to political instability during the Zemene
Mesafint period. Power struggles, rivalries, and conflicts among the
regional warlords were common, resulting in a lack of stability and unity
within the country.

4. Economic Decline: The political instability and fragmentation of power

had a negative impact on the economy. Trade routes were disrupted,
agricultural productivity declined, and infrastructure development
stagnated. This period witnessed economic decline and a decrease in the
overall prosperity of the country.

5. Cultural and Intellectual Stagnation: The Zemene Mesafint period was

marked by a decline in cultural and intellectual activities. The lack of a
centralized authority and the focus on regional power struggles limited the
patronage of arts, literature, and education. As a result, there was a relative
stagnation in cultural and intellectual development during this period.

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The Zemene Mesafint period came to an end with the rise of Emperor
Tewodros II in the mid-19th century, who sought to reunify Ethiopia and
establish a centralized rule. His efforts laid the foundation for subsequent
reforms and modernization in Ethiopia.
7. What is the Gadaa system and how did it function in Oromo
society? Discuss it briefly.
The Gadaa system is a traditional system of governance and social organization that has been
practiced by the Oromo people of Ethiopia for centuries. It is a unique system that combines
political, social, and economic aspects of Oromo society. Here is a brief overview of the Gadaa
system and how it functioned:

1. Age-Grade System: The Gadaa system is based on an age-grade system, where Oromo males
progress through a series of stages or grades throughout their lives. Each grade, known as Gadaa,
lasts for eight years. The progression from one grade to another is marked by a ceremony and
involves specific rights, responsibilities, and privileges.

2. Democratic Principles: The Gadaa system is characterized by democratic principles and

collective decision-making. The highest authority in the system is the Gadaa assembly, which
consists of representatives from each Gadaa grade. The assembly discusses and makes decisions
on various matters, including laws, conflicts, and social issues.

3. Rotation of Power: One of the key features of the Gadaa system is the rotation of power.
Leadership positions, such as the Abbaa Gadaa (Gadaa leader) and the council of elders, are held
by individuals from different Gadaa grades. This rotation ensures a balance of power and
prevents the concentration of authority in a single individual or group.

4. Checks and Balances: The Gadaa system incorporates checks and balances to prevent abuse of
power. The Gadaa assembly and the council of elders serve as oversight bodies, ensuring that
leaders adhere to the principles and laws of the system. The system also includes mechanisms for
resolving conflicts and maintaining social harmony.

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5. Social and Economic Functions: The Gadaa system extends beyond governance and has social
and economic functions. It regulates various aspects of Oromo society, including marriage, land
tenure, resource management, and conflict resolution. It also promotes social cohesion, justice,
and equality among community members.

The Gadaa system played a crucial role in maintaining social order, justice, and stability within
Oromo society. It fostered democratic principles, collective decision-making, and a sense of
community participation. While the Gadaa system has evolved over time, it continues to hold
cultural and historical significance for the Oromo people.

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