Zara Yakob (reigned 1434-68) is without a doubt one of Ethiopia's greatest rulers.

His substantial military accomplishments include a decisive victory in 1445 over the sultanate of Adal and its Muslim pastoral allies, who for two centuries have been a source of determined opposition to the Christian highlanders.

Zara Yakob also seeks to strengthen royal control over what is a highly decentralized administrative system.

Some of his most notable achievements are in ecclesiastical matters, where he sponsors a reorganization of the Orthodox Church, attempts to unify its religious practices, and fosters proselytization among nonbelievers.

Perhaps most remarkable is a flowering of Ge'ez literature, in which the king himself composes a number of important religious tracts.