13th century – 15th century
Yemen, southern Red Sea, Gulf of Aden
The Rasulid kingdom of Yemen was a major Muslim polity whose influence extended across the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Founded in 1228 by a former ally and agent of the Egyptian Ayyubid occupation forces, it pursued control of Red Sea trade and maintained close relations with the Ethiopian region. Rasulid rulers supported the Walasma restoration in Adal, while their cultural patronage made Yemen a vital centre of Muslim learning and Islamic propagation.
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The Story
The Rasulid dynasty ruled Yemen from 1228 to 1454 and became a significant power in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Its founder had previously served as an ally and agent of the Egyptian Ayyubid occupation forces in Yemen. The dynasty began with strained relations with Egypt and engaged in a prolonged struggle for control of the Hejaz and the profitable commerce of the Red Sea.
Rasulid influence was strongest in the southern part of the Red Sea and around the Gulf of Aden, where physical proximity connected Yemen to the Ethiopian region. The dynasty attempted to extend authority over Zeila by sending materials and personnel to build a mosque where public prayers would be held in the Yemeni king's name. Local tribes resisted by throwing the building materials into the sea, and an embargo on ships bound for Aden followed.
Rasulid monarchs maintained diplomatic and cultural ties with Ethiopian rulers and Muslim communities. Yekunno-Amlak sought the good offices of King Muzaffar of Yemen in requesting a new Egyptian bishop from Cairo, while gifts also circulated between Ethiopian princes and Rasulid monarchs. The relationship was unequal in the eyes of Rasulid historians, some of whom claimed Yemeni suzerainty over coastal regions including Massawa and Zeila.
Despite these claims, the passage states that Rasulid attempts to annex the Zeila region almost certainly failed. Over the following two centuries, the Walasma dynasty of Adal—not Rasulid Yemen—established the more effective military and political control over Zeila and neighbouring areas. Rasulid support nevertheless proved important when Se'adedin's sons returned from exile with Arab auxiliaries and revived Walasma power in Adal.
13th century – 15th century
Yemen, southern Red Sea, Gulf of Aden
The Rasulid kingdom of Yemen was a major Muslim polity whose influence extended across the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Founded in 1228 by a former ally and agent of the Egyptian Ayyubid occupation forces, it pursued control of Red Sea trade and maintained close relations with the Ethiopian region. Rasulid rulers supported the Walasma restoration in Adal, while their cultural patronage made Yemen a vital centre of Muslim learning and Islamic propagation.
Continue exploring
The Story
The Rasulid dynasty ruled Yemen from 1228 to 1454 and became a significant power in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Its founder had previously served as an ally and agent of the Egyptian Ayyubid occupation forces in Yemen. The dynasty began with strained relations with Egypt and engaged in a prolonged struggle for control of the Hejaz and the profitable commerce of the Red Sea.
Rasulid influence was strongest in the southern part of the Red Sea and around the Gulf of Aden, where physical proximity connected Yemen to the Ethiopian region. The dynasty attempted to extend authority over Zeila by sending materials and personnel to build a mosque where public prayers would be held in the Yemeni king's name. Local tribes resisted by throwing the building materials into the sea, and an embargo on ships bound for Aden followed.
Rasulid monarchs maintained diplomatic and cultural ties with Ethiopian rulers and Muslim communities. Yekunno-Amlak sought the good offices of King Muzaffar of Yemen in requesting a new Egyptian bishop from Cairo, while gifts also circulated between Ethiopian princes and Rasulid monarchs. The relationship was unequal in the eyes of Rasulid historians, some of whom claimed Yemeni suzerainty over coastal regions including Massawa and Zeila.
Despite these claims, the passage states that Rasulid attempts to annex the Zeila region almost certainly failed. Over the following two centuries, the Walasma dynasty of Adal—not Rasulid Yemen—established the more effective military and political control over Zeila and neighbouring areas. Rasulid support nevertheless proved important when Se'adedin's sons returned from exile with Arab auxiliaries and revived Walasma power in Adal.
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