Changes in the Military System of Northern Ethiopia During the Gondar Period (1632-1769)

Their Influence on the Decline ofthe Solomonic Dynasty

Abstract

In this paper, the author examines how the changes in the military system during the Gondar period (1632-1769) influenced on the decline of the Solomonic dynasty. His conclusion is as follows: The regiments, which were under the control of the emperors, were stationed at strategic points in northern Ethiopia during the first half of the Gondar period. These regiments, however, ceased from performing during the latter half of this period. The emperors depended increasingly on nobles of the Amhara-Tigre people and of the Oromo people in military affairs. The political situation was temporarily stable during the reign of Iyasu II and Iyo'äs on the corporation between emperors and nobles. As emperors' power declined, nobles came to increase wä‘alyan, or retainers and strengthened their power. Then the power balance between the emperor and nobles tipped in favor of latter, a race for power triggered a severe civil war in the end of the Gondar period. Nobles destroyed the ruling system o f the Solomonic dynasty and made puppets o f the emperors.