18th century – 19th century
Northern Ethiopian highlands
Tigré was the northernmost and most powerful of the principal Ethiopian highland states at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Predominantly Christian and Tigrinya-speaking, it included a substantial Muslim population and benefited from proximity to the Red Sea, taxation of trade, and access to firearms. Ras Walda Sellase of Endarta governed a large domain extending from the highlands near the Red Sea toward the mountains approaching Gondar.
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The Story
Tigré formed the northern heartland of the ancient Axumite kingdom and was described as the most powerful of the three principal Ethiopian highland states. Its population was mainly Christian, with a sizeable Muslim minority in the east and south, and spoke Tigrinya, a Semitic language. The province’s proximity to the coast gave its rulers access to revenues from trade and to more firearms than were available in many other parts of Ethiopia.
At the beginning of the century, Tigré was controlled by Ras Walda Sellase of Endarta, who ruled from 1795 to 1816. Endarta overlooked the Afar or Danakil Depression, the source of amolé, bars of rock salt used both for consumption and as a form of primitive money. Walda Sellase had previously served as balgada, the official responsible for salt caravans, before becoming the dominant chief of the region.
Walda Sellase’s domain stretched from the edge of the highlands within sight of the Red Sea to the high Samen mountains near Gondar. He sought guardianship of the nominal emperor, cultivated relations with European powers, and requested firearms and assistance in obtaining an abuna from Britain. His political ambitions reflected Tigré’s strategic position between the Ethiopian interior, the Red Sea coast, and the routes carrying salt and other trade.
18th century – 19th century
Northern Ethiopian highlands
Tigré was the northernmost and most powerful of the principal Ethiopian highland states at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Predominantly Christian and Tigrinya-speaking, it included a substantial Muslim population and benefited from proximity to the Red Sea, taxation of trade, and access to firearms. Ras Walda Sellase of Endarta governed a large domain extending from the highlands near the Red Sea toward the mountains approaching Gondar.
Continue exploring
The Story
Tigré formed the northern heartland of the ancient Axumite kingdom and was described as the most powerful of the three principal Ethiopian highland states. Its population was mainly Christian, with a sizeable Muslim minority in the east and south, and spoke Tigrinya, a Semitic language. The province’s proximity to the coast gave its rulers access to revenues from trade and to more firearms than were available in many other parts of Ethiopia.
At the beginning of the century, Tigré was controlled by Ras Walda Sellase of Endarta, who ruled from 1795 to 1816. Endarta overlooked the Afar or Danakil Depression, the source of amolé, bars of rock salt used both for consumption and as a form of primitive money. Walda Sellase had previously served as balgada, the official responsible for salt caravans, before becoming the dominant chief of the region.
Walda Sellase’s domain stretched from the edge of the highlands within sight of the Red Sea to the high Samen mountains near Gondar. He sought guardianship of the nominal emperor, cultivated relations with European powers, and requested firearms and assistance in obtaining an abuna from Britain. His political ambitions reflected Tigré’s strategic position between the Ethiopian interior, the Red Sea coast, and the routes carrying salt and other trade.
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