North East Africa 750 CE

What is happening in North East Africa in 750CE

The Nubian kingdoms had all become Christian by the early 7^th century. The two Nubian kingdoms (Nobatia was conquered by Maqurrah sometime in the 7^th century) are home to a lively Christian civilization of towns and villages, monasteries, churches and palaces.

By the mid-8^th century, Ethiopia is in decline. Her once flourishing trade is being strangled by the rising tide of Islamic commerce; the seas and coasts have become a hostile environment to this Christian people. It is also possible that over-grazing and soil erosion were reducing the prosperity of the central core of the kingdom.

As a result of these factors, the focus of Ethiopian society has shifted south, further into the central highlands. This development has increased the isolation of Ethiopian civilization.