Zemene

Zemene is a term in Ge'ez and Amharic that means "time" or "era." In Ethiopian historical usage, it appears most famously in the phrase Zemene Mesafint, or the Era of the Princes, describing a period when central royal authority was eclipsed by powerful regional nobles and warlords.

The Era of the Princes is typically dated from the mid-18th century to the mid-19th century, roughly from about 1769 to 1855. During this era, emperors of the Ethiopian Empire retained religious and ceremonial status, but real political and military power resided in regional leaders and factions. These princes, often holding titles such as Ras or Dejazmach, backed different claimant successors to the throne, installed puppets, and deposed rivals as part of a lingering cycle of internecine conflict and shifting alliances. The period is characterized by political fragmentation, persistent court intrigue, and episodic violence across various provinces.

The end of the Zemene Mesafint came with the rise of Tewodros II, who from 1855 onward sought to reunify the empire and restore centralized authority. His efforts laid the groundwork for a more centralized state and subsequent modernization campaigns, marking a turning point in Ethiopian political history.

In modern scholarship and culture, Zemene Mesafint is a foundational concept used to analyze the dynamics of Ethiopian governance, feudal power structures, and the social impact of prolonged aristocratic rule. The term remains a common reference point in historical writing, education, and discussions of Ethiopia’s imperial past.