The Amhara-led Solomonic dynasty (post-1270) marginalized the Cushitic Agew Zagwe dynasty by delegitimizing them as non-Solomonic "usurpers," promoting Amharization, and pushing the Agew to the periphery, which led to the shrinking of their languages and cultural assimilation. This process was driven by the ideological, political, and linguistic dominance of the new regime.
Political Delegitimization: Yekuno Amlak, with support from religious leaders, claimed the Solomonic throne, killing the last Zagwe king and depicting the previous dynasty as illegitimate usurpers (a "fairy tale" narrative).
Amharization and Cultural Erasure: The Solomonic rulers elevated the Amhara language (Amarinya) and culture, marginalizing Agew Cushitic languages like Awi, Qimant, and Xamtanga. The Agew were treated as second-class citizens or were forced to adopt Semitic customs, languages, and identities to fit into the new order.
Marginalization of Legacy: While the Zagwe built the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the new regime sought to distance Ethiopia's central identity from its Cushitic roots, emphasizing a Semitic (Israelite) descent instead.
Peripheral Survival: Over time, the Agew cultural presence was reduced to marginalized, "island-like" survivals within a dominant Amhara cultural landscape.
The prolonged pressure of the Solomonic state resulted in the slow erosion of Agew cultural and linguistic identity, as many were forced to assimilate.