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Yekuno Amlak, the founder of the Solomonic dynasty, asserted a direct lineage from the biblical King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that Yekuno Amlak, who founded the Solomonic dynasty around 1270 AD, claimed direct descent from King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, a claim popularized in the *Kebra Nagast*.
Yekuno Amlak ascended to power by defeating the Zagwe king at the Battle of Ansata, with substantial support from the Orthodox Church.
Answer: True
Explanation: Yekuno Amlak, an Amhara nobleman, secured the throne in 1270 AD by defeating the Zagwe king at the Battle of Ansata, a victory achieved with strong backing from the Orthodox Church.
Yekuno Amlak maintained hostile relations with neighboring Muslim dynasties, consistently refusing any form of cooperation.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source indicates that Yekuno Amlak fostered friendly relations with Muslim entities, establishing close ties with the Makhzumi dynasty and making contact with the Rasulids and Egyptian Mamluk Sultanate, and even described himself as a protector of Muslims in Abyssinia.
During the reign of Amda Seyon I, the *Fetha Nagast*, a legal code rooted in biblical principles, was produced.
Answer: True
Explanation: The *Fetha Nagast*, or 'Law of the Kings,' a legal code largely based on biblical principles, was indeed produced during the reign of Amda Seyon I and remained in use until the early 20th century.
Amda Seyon I's military campaigns substantially expanded the empire's territory and established Christian hegemony over the region for a period of two centuries.
Answer: True
Explanation: Amda Seyon I's military campaigns, particularly against Muslim enemies to the east, more than doubled the empire's size and shifted the balance of power, establishing Christian hegemony for two centuries.
Emperor Dawit I's reign was marked by a period of peace and stability following his defeat of Sa'ad ad-Din II and the capture of Zeila.
Answer: True
Explanation: Emperor Dawit I's defeat and killing of Sa'ad ad-Din II, along with the capture of Zeila, led to a period of peace and stability, which became known as a golden age for the Ethiopian Empire.
Emperor Zara Yaqob centralized imperial administration by replacing regional warlords with appointed officials and extended his hegemony over Islamic territories.
Answer: True
Explanation: Emperor Zara Yaqob indeed centralized administration by replacing regional warlords with officials and expanded his influence over Islamic territories, among other reforms.
Eleni of Ethiopia served as a regent for her stepson Eskender and was recognized as an effective member of the royal family.
Answer: True
Explanation: Eleni of Ethiopia was an influential member of the royal family, acting as co-monarch during Baeda Maryam's reign and later serving as regent for her stepson, Eskender.
Which historical figure founded the Solomonic dynasty around 1270 AD?
Answer: Yekuno Amlak
Explanation: Yekuno Amlak is identified as the founder of the Solomonic dynasty, which was established around 1270 AD.
Which significant legal code, grounded in biblical principles, was compiled during the reign of Emperor Amda Seyon I?
Answer: The Fetha Nagast
Explanation: The *Fetha Nagast*, or 'Law of the Kings,' a legal code largely based on biblical principles, was produced during the reign of Amda Seyon I.
Upon learning of the imprisonment of the Patriarch of Alexandria by the Egyptian Sultan, how did Emperor Newaya Krestos respond?
Answer: He imprisoned Egyptian merchants in his kingdom.
Explanation: Newaya Krestos responded by imprisoning Egyptian merchants in his kingdom, compelling the Egyptian Sultan to release the Patriarch of Alexandria.
Which specific action undertaken by Emperor Dawit I initiated a period recognized as a 'golden age' for the Ethiopian Empire?
Answer: Defeating Sa'ad ad-Din II, capturing Zeila, and converting mosques into churches.
Explanation: Emperor Dawit I's defeat of Sa'ad ad-Din II, capture of Zeila, and conversion of mosques into churches led to a period of peace and stability, known as a golden age.
Describe the political landscape in the Ethiopian Highlands prior to the emergence of the Solomonic dynasty.
Answer: It was ruled by the Zagwe Dynasty, who were Agaws from the Lasta region.
Explanation: Before the Solomonic dynasty, the Ethiopian Highlands were ruled by the Zagwe Dynasty, an Agaw group from the Lasta region.
Characterize the nature of the conflict between Emperor Amda Seyon I and the Ifat Sultanate.
Answer: Amda Seyon invaded Ifat, killed the sultan, and ravaged Muslim territories after an envoy was imprisoned.
Explanation: Amda Seyon I invaded Ifat, killed its sultan, and ravaged Muslim territories after an Ethiopian envoy was imprisoned by the Sultan of Ifat.
By what means did Yekuno Amlak secure the imperial throne in 1270 AD?
Answer: By defeating the Zagwe king at the Battle of Ansata with Orthodox Church support.
Explanation: Yekuno Amlak seized the throne in 1270 AD by defeating the Zagwe king at the Battle of Ansata, a victory supported by the Orthodox Church.
Around 1320, how did Emperor Amda Seyon I react to the Mamluk Sultan's persecution of Copts in Cairo?
Answer: He threatened to divert the Nile's flow.
Explanation: Amda Seyon I responded to the Mamluk Sultan's persecution of Copts by threatening to divert the Nile's flow.
Which of the following represents a pivotal reform implemented by Emperor Zara Yaqob?
Answer: Centralizing administration by replacing regional warlords with officials.
Explanation: Emperor Zara Yaqob centralized administration by replacing regional warlords with appointed officials, among other reforms.
The Adal Sultanate's significant invasion of Ethiopia in the 16th century was primarily instigated by internal religious disputes within the Ethiopian Empire.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Adal Sultanate's invasion was primarily driven by Ahmad ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi, who rose to power, stockpiled firearms, and launched an invasion, not internal religious disputes within Ethiopia.
Emperor Gelawdewos received critical military assistance from French musketeers to resist the Muslim invasion.
Answer: False
Explanation: Emperor Gelawdewos received crucial aid from four hundred well-armed Portuguese musketeers, not French, to resist the Muslim invasion in 1541.
The Ottoman Empire's occupation of Massawa in 1557 resulted in Ethiopia's loss of direct access to the Red Sea.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Ottoman Empire's conquest of Massawa, Ethiopia's main port, in 1557, indeed led to Ethiopia losing its direct access to the Red Sea.
During the early modern period, Oromo migrations contributed to an increased centralization of the Ethiopian Empire's power.
Answer: False
Explanation: Oromo migrations during the early modern period led to a reorganization of the empire and distant provinces gaining more independence, indicating a move towards decentralization, not increased centralization.
The 'Zemene Mesafint' was a period characterized by robust centralized imperial rule and a significant cultural revival.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Zemene Mesafint' (Era of Princes) was characterized by political decentralization, conflicts among regional warlords, and societal and cultural stagnation, not strong centralized rule or cultural revival.
What constituted a significant enabling factor for Ahmad ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi's major invasion of Ethiopia in 1529?
Answer: Stockpiling firearms and cannons from Arabia and the Ottoman Empire.
Explanation: Ahmad ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi's ability to stockpile firearms and cannons from Arabia and the Ottoman Empire was a significant factor enabling his invasion.
What form of external military assistance did Emperor Gelawdewos receive to counter the Adalite invasion in 1541?
Answer: Four hundred well-armed Portuguese musketeers.
Explanation: Emperor Gelawdewos received crucial aid from four hundred well-armed Portuguese musketeers who arrived in Massawa in 1541.
What was the ultimate fate of Emperor Gelawdewos?
Answer: He was killed in 1559 while attempting to invade the Adal Sultanate.
Explanation: Emperor Gelawdewos was killed in 1559 during his attempt to invade the Adal Sultanate at the Battle of Fatagar.
What was the impact of the Ottoman Empire's occupation of Massawa in 1557 on Ethiopia?
Answer: It resulted in Ethiopia losing its direct access to the Red Sea.
Explanation: The Ottoman Empire's occupation of Massawa, Ethiopia's main port, in 1557, resulted in Ethiopia losing its direct access to the Red Sea.
Which of the following best characterized the Gondarine period in Ethiopian history?
Answer: A flourishing of culture, art, and architecture with relative peace.
Explanation: The Gondarine period was marked by relative peace, successful integration of the Oromo people, and a flourishing of culture, art, and architecture.
What was the ultimate fate of Emperor Yeshaq I, whose reign was dedicated to the defense of eastern territories?
Answer: He died fighting the Adalites in 1429.
Explanation: Emperor Yeshaq I was killed fighting the Adalites in 1429, after dedicating his reign to defending eastern peripheral territories.
The 'Zemene Mesafint' (Era of Princes) was predominantly characterized by which of the following?
Answer: Political decentralization and conflicts among regional warlords.
Explanation: The 'Zemene Mesafint' was a period defined by political decentralization and numerous conflicts among regional warlords, with limited imperial power.
Emperor Yohannes IV expanded the Ethiopian Empire into Eritrea and decisively defeated Egyptian forces during the Ethiopian-Egyptian War.
Answer: True
Explanation: Emperor Yohannes IV indeed re-expanded the Empire into Eritrea and his forces, led by Ras Alula, decisively defeated Egyptian forces in the Ethiopian-Egyptian War.
Emperor Menelik II's conquests, initiated in the 1890s, established the modern territorial boundaries of Ethiopia.
Answer: True
Explanation: Emperor Menelik II's significant expansion of the empire from the 1890s, incorporating lands to the west, east, and south, indeed resulted in the modern territorial boundaries of Ethiopia by 1898.
The First Italo-Ethiopian War concluded with an Italian victory and the imposition of a protectorate over Ethiopia.
Answer: False
Explanation: The First Italo-Ethiopian War resulted in a decisive Ethiopian victory at the Battle of Adwa in 1896, forcing Italy to recognize Ethiopia's independence, not establish a protectorate.
The Entoto Reforms equipped the Ethiopian military with advanced weaponry, which surprised Italian commanders during the First Italo-Ethiopian War.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Entoto Reforms provided the Ethiopian Military with modern rifles, which indeed surprised Italian commanders during the First Italo-Ethiopian War, contributing to Ethiopia's victory.
What constituted a key achievement during the reign of Emperor Yohannes IV?
Answer: Decisively defeating Egyptian forces in the Ethiopian-Egyptian War.
Explanation: Emperor Yohannes IV's forces decisively defeated Egyptian forces in the Ethiopian-Egyptian War, a key achievement of his reign.
What was the strategic significance of the Entoto Reforms in the context of the First Italo-Ethiopian War?
Answer: They provided the Ethiopian Military with modern rifles, surprising Italian commanders.
Explanation: The Entoto Reforms provided the Ethiopian Military with modern rifles, which surprised Italian commanders and contributed to Ethiopia's victory in the First Italo-Ethiopian War.
Which emperor brought an end to the Zemene Mesafint and reunified the Ethiopian Empire, thereby ushering it into the modern period?
Answer: Emperor Tewodros II
Explanation: Emperor Tewodros II ended the Zemene Mesafint, reunified the Empire, and led it into the modern period.
The Second Italo-Ethiopian War concluded with an Ethiopian victory, thereby preventing the establishment of Italian East Africa.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Second Italo-Ethiopian War resulted in an Italian victory, leading to the occupation of Addis Ababa and the establishment of Italian East Africa, not an Ethiopian victory.
Ethiopia's sovereignty was restored during World War II with the assistance of British forces, who successfully expelled the Italians.
Answer: True
Explanation: During World War II, British forces aided Haile Selassie in organizing his army and launched a campaign that drove the Italians out of Ethiopia, restoring his throne on May 5, 1941.
Emperor Haile Selassie abolished slavery in 1942, yet slave trading persisted without the imposition of severe penalties.
Answer: False
Explanation: Haile Selassie abolished the legal basis of slavery in 1942 and imposed severe penalties, including death, for slave trading, indicating that it did not continue without severe penalties.
Eritrea achieved full independence from Ethiopia immediately following World War II, in accordance with a UN resolution.
Answer: False
Explanation: After World War II, Eritrea was federated with Ethiopia by a UN resolution in 1950, not granted full independence immediately.
Emperor Haile Selassie's initiatives for land reform were largely successful, owing to robust support from the nobility and clergy.
Answer: False
Explanation: Haile Selassie's efforts at land reform were slow and met with significant resistance from the entrenched aristocracy and clergy, leading to limited success.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church attained full autocephaly from the Patriarchate in Egypt in 1959, primarily as a result of Emperor Haile Selassie's endeavors.
Answer: True
Explanation: Through Haile Selassie's persistent efforts and appeals, the Abuna was elevated to Patriarch-Catholicos in 1959, granting the Ethiopian Church greater autonomy while maintaining affiliation with the Alexandrian Church.
The 1955 revised constitution, enacted under Emperor Haile Selassie, substantially curtailed the emperor's power by rendering both houses of parliament fully elected.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 1955 revised constitution retained the emperor's effective power, though it made the lower house of parliament an elected body. The Senate remained appointed by the Emperor, thus not both houses were fully elected, and his power was not significantly reduced.
The 1960 coup attempt against Emperor Haile Selassie was a minor incident that exerted no lasting influence on public perception of the monarchy.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 1960 coup attempt, though unsuccessful, was a pivotal moment as it marked the first time Ethiopians questioned the king's power to rule without consent, leading to increased advocacy for reforms and impacting public perception.
Emperor Haile Selassie played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and served as its inaugural chairperson.
Answer: True
Explanation: Emperor Haile Selassie presided over the formation of the OAU in 1963, with its headquarters in Addis Ababa, and was elected as its first official chairperson.
The 1973 Wollo famine and the 1973 oil crisis constituted significant factors that contributed to the collapse of the monarchy in 1974.
Answer: True
Explanation: The government's inadequate response to the 1973 Wollo famine, coupled with rising discontent and high fuel prices from the 1973 oil crisis, were indeed significant factors leading to the monarchy's fall in 1974.
The Derg was a civilian committee that peacefully negotiated the transfer of power from Emperor Haile Selassie.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Derg was a group of military officers that systematically dismantled the imperial government and deposed Emperor Haile Selassie, not a civilian committee that peacefully negotiated a transfer of power.
Emperor Haile Selassie died of natural causes in his sleep shortly after his deposition.
Answer: False
Explanation: Emperor Haile Selassie died under mysterious circumstances on August 27, 1975, after being deposed and imprisoned by the Derg, with Mengistu Haile Mariam widely believed to be responsible for his death, suggesting it was not natural causes.
On what date was Addis Ababa occupied by Italian forces during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War?
Answer: May 5, 1936
Explanation: Addis Ababa was occupied by Italian forces on May 5, 1936, during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War.
Which of the subsequent factors significantly contributed to the collapse of the Ethiopian monarchy in 1974?
Answer: Rising discontent among urban groups and high fuel prices from the 1973 oil crisis.
Explanation: The government's inadequate response to the 1973 Wollo famine, rising discontent among urban groups, and high fuel prices from the 1973 oil crisis were all significant factors contributing to the monarchy's fall.
What was the principal outcome of Emperor Haile Selassie's initiatives to establish the autocephaly of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church?
Answer: The Abuna was elevated to Patriarch-Catholicos in 1959, granting greater autonomy.
Explanation: Haile Selassie's efforts led to the elevation of the Abuna to Patriarch-Catholicos in 1959, granting the Ethiopian Church greater autonomy while maintaining affiliation with the Alexandrian Church.
Which specific event signified the termination of the Ethiopian Empire's existence?
Answer: The 1974 coup d'état by the Derg
Explanation: The Ethiopian Empire ceased to exist with the 1974 coup d'état by the Derg, which deposed Emperor Haile Selassie and formally abolished the monarchy in March 1975.
For centuries, until the 20th century, what constituted the primary foundation of the Ethiopian economy?
Answer: A barter system with 'primitive money' within a feudal framework.
Explanation: For centuries, the Ethiopian economy was based on a barter system with 'primitive money' and various forms of currency within a feudal framework.
How was the traditional monarchical regime reformed under Emperor Haile Selassie's modernization initiatives?
Answer: Through the introduction of the 1931 and 1955 constitutions establishing a unitary parliamentary system.
Explanation: Emperor Haile Selassie reformed the traditional monarchical regime through the introduction of the 1931 and 1955 constitutions, which established a unitary parliamentary system.
Under the 1956 constitution, what was the structural composition of the Ethiopian Parliament?
Answer: Two chambers: an elected Chamber of Deputies and an Emperor-appointed Senate.
Explanation: The 1956 constitution established a bicameral parliament consisting of an elected Chamber of Deputies and an Emperor-appointed Senate.
What was the official motto of the Ethiopian Empire?
Answer: Ethiopia Stretches Her Hands unto God
Explanation: The motto of the Ethiopian Empire was 'Ityopia tabetsih edewiha kabe Igziabiher,' which translates to 'Ethiopia Stretches Her Hands unto God'.
During the Gondarine period, which city served as the capital of the Ethiopian Empire?
Answer: Gondar
Explanation: Gondar was established as the permanent capital of the Ethiopian Empire during the Gondarine period (1635–1855).