Katama

Katama (Amharic: ከተማ kätäma) was the name of a medieval fortified Ethiopian military encampment, that was typically situated on top of an amba.

These royal military camps served as the capital of the empire and was an important element of the political and social organization of the Ethiopian state until the 17th century.

According to this text, the camp's construction began with the planting of the royal standard, marking the center of the Emperor's compound, usually on the highest summit.

This would play an important role in Menelik II's conquest of the south and the consolidation of imperial rule.

Many of these katamas evolved into permanent settlements, among those were Irgalem, Jijiga, Galamso, Goba, Dembidolo, Ginir and Negele Borana.