This period saw profound achievements in Ethiopian art, architecture, and innovations such as the construction of the royal complex Fasil Ghebbi, and 44 churches[1] that were established around Lake Tana.

The earliest style of art lasted until the early 18th century and was noted for its warmth of color, careful finish and richness of design.

[2] Gondar possessed favorable trade routes leading south of the Blue Nile and to northwestern regions like Massawa and Sudan.

After Iyasu II’s death in 1755, brief dynastic conflicts occurred between Mentewab's Quaregnoch and Yejju Wollo groups led by Wubit.

[citation needed] Gondarine art drew on the Byzantine world’s religious motifs, with elements including illuminated manuscripts, murals, and icons from diptych and triptychs.

[citation needed] During the early 18th century, a few Franciscan and Capuchin friars sponsored by the Roman missionary agency Sacra Congregatio de Propaganda lived there for some years.

Among them were Franciscan Giuseppe Maria di Gerusalemme, Remedius Prutky [fr] (who left a valuable report on the city), and the Jesuits Grenier and Paulet.

[clarification needed] As a result, the Emperor behind Fasilides often built stone castles in Gorgora, Gomange, Guzara and Gannata Iyasus.

Ethiopian philosophers like Zera Yacob, known for his treatise on religion, morality, and reason, known as Hatata and Walda Heywat became prominent at this time.