Zemene Mesafint

(noun)

Known also as Era of the Princes, was a period (18th century to mid-19th century) in Ethiopian history when the country was divided into several regions with no effective central authority. It was a period in which the emperors were reduced to figureheads confined to the capital city of Gondar.

Related Terms

Examples of Zemene Mesafint in the following topics:

  • Ethiopia and Eritrea

    • In the 18th century, the so-called Zemene Mesafint (Era of the Princes) began.
    • Historians debate what triggered Zemene Mesafint, pointing to various events ranging from 1706 to 1769 as the beginning of the era.
    • Under Emperor Tewodros II, Zemene Mesafint was brought to an end.