Unit notes and practice questions
Everything here is for unit 3 of the Grade 11 History textbook: what the chapter covers, the short notes, practice questions with their answers, and the lesson video where one exists.
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A short video lesson on this chapter, made by Temari. It loads only when you press play.
The rise and fall of the Zagwe · 4 min · 2 past exam questions worked through
Tap a part to play the lesson from there.
The cards filed under this chapter on the Grade 11 History page. Open one at a time.
When you use it
Use this when a question names a ruling family of Shewa or Ifat and you need to match it to the correct sultanate.
Watch out
The Makhzumite dynasty ruled the Sultanate of Shewa and was overthrown in 1285. The Walasma dynasty ruled the neighbouring Sultanate of Ifat and was the one that overthrew Shewa. Do not swap the two families or treat Shewa and Ifat as one state.
Drafted from Grade 11 History, pages 51-73, then checked twice before it went up
When you use it
Use this when a question asks why the Aksumite state declined or collapsed, or what cut its trade and political power.
Watch out
Students often blame the destruction of Adulis alone. The chapter gives the decline from the late 7th century, the destruction of Adulis by the Arabs around 702 as the cut to its economy, and the Beja, Agaw and Queen Yodit rebellions as what finally sealed the collapse.
Drafted from Grade 11 History, pages 51-73, then checked twice before it went up
10 multiple-choice questions written against this chapter, each with its answer and the reason. Try one before you open the answer.
Question 1
According to the chapter, about how many languages are spoken in the region of Ethiopia?
Answer: B About 85
Why
The chapter says that linguistic evidence informs us that there are about 85 languages spoken in the region. The chapter also says we are not certain of the exact number, so the word about is important.
Question 2
The partial skeleton nicknamed Lucy was found at Hadar in 1974. The hominid is dated to how many years ago?
Answer: B 3.18 million years ago
Why
The chapter states that the hominid discovered in 1974 at Hadar, in the Afar lowlands, dated back to 3.18 million years ago. Ethiopians prefer to call her Dinqnesh.
Question 3
In the Oromo religion, what is the name of the one God who is the source of all life and the Creator?
Answer: B Waqa
Why
The chapter says the Oromo religion focuses on one God known as Waqa, who is the source of all life and the Creator. Waa was the equivalent name used by the Hadiya, not the Oromo.
Question 4
Which Aksumite king's trilingual inscription, written in Geez, Sabean and Greek, confirmed his conversion to Christianity?
Answer: C Ezana
Why
The chapter says the trilingual inscription belonging to King Ezana confirmed his conversion. It includes the words about the faith of God and the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
Question 5
Where was Yeha, the capital of the kingdom of Da'amat, located in relation to Aksum?
Answer: A 30 kilometers to the northeast of Aksum
Why
The chapter says the capital of Da'amat was Yeha, located 30 kilometers to the northeast of Aksum. Yeha was the oldest of these pre-Aksumite centers.
Question 6
According to the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, which place on the western coast of the Red Sea was the major port of Aksum?
Answer: B Adulis
Why
The chapter says that according to the Periplus, Adulis on the western coast of the Red Sea was the major port of Aksum. Zeila and Mogadishu are other ports named in the text, but not the main port of Aksum.
Question 7
In 1285 A.D., which dynasty overthrew the Makhzumite dynasty of Shewa and ended the Sultanate of Shewa?
Answer: A The Walasma dynasty of Ifat
Why
The chapter says that in 1285 A.D. the Makhzumite dynasty of Shewa was overthrown by the Walasma dynasty of Ifat. This marked the end of the Sultanate of Shewa.
Question 8
The Egyptian expedition to the land of Punt that is best described and illustrated was ordered by Queen Hatshepsut. Where is this expedition documented?
Answer: B At her tomb in Dier El Bahri
Why
The chapter says the expedition ordered by Queen Hatshepsut is documented at her tomb in Dier El Bahri. The other places are not mentioned in the chapter as the record of this expedition.
Question 9
Around 702 A.D., an event cut the economic artery of the Aksumite state. What was this event?
Answer: A The destruction of the port of Adulis by the Arabs
Why
The chapter says that with the destruction of the port of Adulis by the Arabs around 702, the economic artery of Aksum was cut. After this, the Aksumite state was isolated from its old trade partners and declined economically.
Question 10
The Ethiopic calendar has 12 months of 30 days, plus 5 or 6 extra days. In the Gregorian calendar, which date is usually the first day of the Ethiopian year, first Meskerem?
Answer: A September 11
Why
The chapter says that the first day of the year, first Meskerem (Enquaash), is usually September 11 in the Gregorian calendar. This is the date you should remember for the Ethiopian new year.
The app holds 12 questions on this unit, marked as you go. These are the first 10.
Unit 3 runs from page 51 to page 73 of the Ministry of Education edition.
Ministry of Education edition, English, 270 pages
Temari turns this chapter into timed practice and marks it as you go, with an AI tutor to explain anything that did not land.
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