The Zagwe Kingdom was a medieval kingdom in present-day Ethiopia, existing from approximately the 9th to the 13th century. It rose to prominence in the northern region of Ethiopia, with its capital at Roha (modern-day Lalibela). The Zagwe dynasty is known for its architectural achievements, particularly the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites and significant landmarks of Ethiopian culture and Christianity. The Zagwe rulers replaced the Aksumite Empire as the dominant power in the region, and their reign marked an important period in Ethiopian history.