Interior East Africa (1804–1815 CE): Consolidation of Ras Wolde Selassie and Early European Contact

During the early years of the nineteenth century, Ras Wolde Selassie continued to consolidate his position as the dominant political force in Ethiopia. Making Chelekot his administrative center and maintaining his capital at Antalo in Enderta Province, Wolde Selassie undertook significant building projects that underscored his power and influence. Notably, he constructed palaces at Chelekot, Antalo, Felegdaro, and Mekelle, all within Enderta, reinforcing the region's central importance under his rule.

Wolde Selassie's influence extended significantly into imperial politics. He sheltered Emperor Tekle Giyorgis I during turbulent periods between 1799 and 1800 and hosted former Emperor Baeda Maryam in 1813. Although initially cooperative with Ras Aligaz, the Imperial Regent, Wolde Selassie increasingly challenged him for power, particularly after Ras Aligaz’s death in 1803. By this period, Ras Wolde Selassie had become Ethiopia's most formidable leader, surpassing other influential regional rulers such as Ras Gugsa of Gojam, Ras Aligaz of Yejju, and the Oromo chieftain Gojje. His dominion extended across vast provinces, where he personally addressed grievances, rebellions, disputes, and inheritances, further solidifying his authoritative rule.

Significantly, Ras Wolde Selassie was the first major Ethiopian leader of this period to establish close relations with Europeans. In 1805, he hosted British diplomats including George Annesley, Viscount Valentia, his secretary Henry Salt, and adventurer Nathaniel Pearce. Their visit culminated in a treaty of friendship between Ethiopia and Great Britain. Recognizing potential economic benefits, Wolde Selassie actively encouraged British commerce, although he pragmatically expressed concerns regarding Ethiopia's limited exportable commodities and the geopolitical constraints posed by Egyptian control of the vital Red Sea port of Massawa.

Despite these challenges, Ras Wolde Selassie's diplomatic initiatives laid important groundwork for future international relations. His contacts with Britain foreshadowed later interactions and negotiations by successors such as Dejazmatch Wube of Semien and Tigray and ultimately, Emperor Yohannes IV. Nathaniel Pearce’s detailed accounts from his prolonged stay (approximately 1808–1816) with Ras Wolde Selassie provide invaluable insights into daily Ethiopian life and political intricacies, offering a rare, detailed European perspective on this transformative era in Ethiopian history.