Ethiopian Embassy Reaches Europe
1463
Emissaries from Emperor Zara Yaqob's Ethiopian court arrived in Rome, astonishing European diplomats with living proof of a Christian kingdom deep in the African highlands. The encounter revived old legends of the priest-king Prester John and prompted enthusiastic papal attempts at military alliance against Islam. Ethiopian monks were given a chapel near the Vatican, where their ancient liturgical chanting in Ge'ez bemused and fascinated Roman congregations accustomed to Latin plainchant.
In context
Also in 1463 (4 other events on record)
- Ottoman Conquest of Bosnia · Europe · War
- First Ottoman-Venetian War Begins · Europe · War
- University of Krakow Flourishes in Astronomy · Europe · Science
- Pius II Calls Failed Crusade · Europe · Religion
Before and after in Africa
Before and after in Politics
Era
Late Middle Ages (1301–1500), one of 874 events from that era on Saeculum.