North East Africa 1215 CE
In Nubia, the long-lasting peace between the Christians and Muslim Egypt is beginning to break down. This will spell disaster for the Christian kingdoms. In the 11th century Ethiopia experienced intense political ...
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What is happening in North East Africa in 1215CE
In Nubia, the long-lasting peace between the Christians and Muslim Egypt is beginning to break down. This will spell disaster for the Christian kingdoms.
In the 11th century Ethiopia experienced intense political instability. In one incident, a princess murdered all the royal family – except the infant king, who was smuggled out of harm’s way. Shortly after this shock, a new line of kings, the Zagwe, took power from the old Aksumite line. They have firmly established their power in the country. They are centralizing their authority by replacing traditional tribal rulers – who owed only a loose allegiance to the king – with royal governors appointed by themselves.
Economically, Ethiopia’s fortunes have risen. With economic revival in Egypt has come expansion for Ethiopia’s trade: the country is one of the major sources of frankincense and myrrh, two spices much in demand in the Muslim world, and it also exports slaves to the north.
The current king, Lalibela (c. 1200-1250), is famous for building a series of unique churches hewn out of solid rock near his capital (also now named Lalibela).
A strong Muslim state has developed to the south-east of Ethiopia, based on trading posts from which control over the local population has gradually been achieved.
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What else is happening in the rest of the world...

Egypt history 1000BCE
After centuries of greatness, the civilization of Ancient Egypt has now entered a long period of decline.

Europe history 1000BCE
Major population movements in Europe have caused widespread upheaval, and the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations have vanished

Africa history 1000BCE
Farming and cattle herding is spreading in western and central Africa
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Iran history 500BCE
Iran, the centre of the great Persian empire

Egypt history 500BCE
Its ancient glories now in the past, Egypt is now just another province within the Persian empire

Africa history 500BCE
Bantu farmers from West Africa are beginning to spread out across the continent
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Egypt history 30BCE
Egyptian independence has come to an end with the death of its famous queen, Cleopatra

Europe history 30BCE
The Roman empire now rules much of Europe

Africa history 30BCE
North Africa is now part of the Roman empire, while in central Africa the Bantu expansion continues
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