The Kingdom of Ethiopia

In 1270, nobleman Yekuno Amlak, with help from the nearby Sultanate of Shewa, overthrew the ruling dynasty in Ethiopia and established the Ethiopian Empire, claiming direct descent from King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Ethiopia became a dominant force in the region, creating conflict with nearby Islamic sultanates. As a Christian kingdom, Ethiopia appealed to Portugal for support against the powerful Muslims, forging an alliance that helped Ethiopia defeat the powerful Adal Sultanate (which was supported by the Ottoman Empire). At this point, the Portuguese began sending Jesuit missionaries to Ethiopia in an attempt to expand Roman Catholic influence there, upsetting the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition.  In response, Emperor Fasilides expelled the Jesuits and moved the capital to Gondar, ushering in the "Gondarine Period." It was a golden age of prosperity, expanded trade, and achievements in the arts, architecture, and innovation. Ethiopia became a trade powerhouse in the region, and emperors constructed impressive castles and cathedrals and commissioned religious murals and manuscripts.