The Gondarine period, sometimes known as Gondarian, was a time in Ethiopian history that spanned

from the reign of Emperor Fasilides in 1632 until the Zemene Mesafint era of decentralization in 1769.
Emperor Fasilides established Gondar as his permanent capital in 1636; it later developed into a highly
stable, affluent economic hub1. Significant advancements in Ethiopian art, architecture, and inventions
took place during this time, including the building of the Fasil Ghebbi royal complex and the
establishment of 44 churches near Lake Tana1. The Gondarine period in art is known for the production
of murals, illuminated manuscripts, and diptychs and triptychs, many of which have religious themes.

From 1667 through 1682, Yohannes I ruled Ethiopia as its Emperor. Emperor Fasilides's eldest son took
over as emperor in 1662. The Ethiopian kingdom's phase of decline persisted under his rule. Yohannes
I's political authority was put to the test by uprisings brought on by schisms within the Ethiopian Church,
while persistent Oromo incursions eroded their hold on their territory. The creation of Christian
iconography was one of many breakthroughs made during the Gondarine period despite these
obstacles.

Iyasu I, the Emperor of Ethiopia from 1682 to 1706, was a descendant of the Solomonic dynasty. The last
great Gondarine king, he restored order among rebellious vassals and subdued the south. Iyasu
supported the arts, literature, and architecture while attempting to resolve doctrinal disputes within
Ethiopia's Coptic Church. His passing signaled the gradual waning of Gondar's power.

Gondar was highly stable, blooming and prosperous commercial center1. However, the death of Iyasu I
in 1706 began the slow decline in Gondar’s supremacy1. Emperor Iyasu I’s regent, Empress Mentewab,
brought her brother Ras Wolde Leul to Gondar and made him Ras Bitwaded1. After this and Iyasu II’s
death in 1755, brief dynastic conflicts occurred between Mentewab’s Quaregnoch and Yejju Wollo
groups led by Wubit1. The Gondarine period ended when Tigray governor Ras Mikael Sehul assassinated
Iyoas I in 1769 which marked the beginning of the country’s decentralized Zemene Mesafint (“Era of
Princes”) which lasted until Emperor Tewodros II reunified the empire in 1855 in its modern form

The Gondarine period was a remarkable era in Ethiopian history that witnessed many achievements in
various fields. Some of the notable achievements of this period are:

- The establishment of Gondar as the permanent capital of the Ethiopian Empire by Emperor Fasilides in
1636. Gondar became a prosperous and stable center of commerce, culture and religion.
- The construction of the royal complex Fasil Ghebbi, which consists of several castles, palaces, churches
and other buildings that showcase the unique architectural style of the Gondarine period. Fasil Ghebbi is
now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

- The development of Christian art, especially in the form of diptychs, triptychs, murals and illuminated
manuscripts. These artworks reflect the influence of various traditions, such as Byzantine, Coptic, Indian
and Islamic, and depict religious scenes and figures with rich colors and details.

- The expansion of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which established 44 churches around Lake Tana.
These churches are known for their circular shape, thatched roofs and mural paintings. Some of the
famous churches are Debre Berhan Selassie, Ura Kidane Mehret and Narga Selassie.

- The maintenance of political stability and territorial integrity, despite external threats from the
Ottoman Empire, Egypt and Sudan. The Gondarine period also saw diplomatic relations with European
powers, such as Portugal, France and England.

-Gondar was chosen for its strategic location and fertile lands. Caravans from Sudan and the Red Sea
converged in the seventeenth century, and Gondar sustained an urban center and long-distance trade
until the 19th century. By 1630, it became a catalyst for Ethiopian growth and production, with a
significant Muslim population.

(1) Iyasu I - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iyasu_I.

(2) Yohannes I - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yohannes_I.

(3) Gondarine period - Wikiwand. https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Gondarine_period.

(4) Gondarine period - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gondarine_period.

(5) Short Introduction to Ethiopian Traditional Painting - JSTOR. https://www.jstor.org/stable/41965709.

(6) Governance and Administrative Structure of Gondar City.

(7) Research on political instability, uncertainty and risk during 1953 ....
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11192-020-03416-6.

(8) Essays on political instability: Measurement, causes and consequences ....