Yekuno Amlak's seizure of power in 1270 began a line of emperors that, with interruptions, ruled until 1974. The claim of descent from Solomon legitimised their rule.

Amda Seyon (1314–1344) expanded the empire through campaigns against neighbouring sultanates such as Ifat. The emperors moved between royal camps rather than ruling from a fixed capital.

Zara Yaqob (1434–1468) reformed the church, wrote theological works and founded Debre Berhan. Ethiopian delegates reached Europe, and contact with Portugal grew in the following decades.