TED-Ed: The imaginary king who changed the real world

The legend of Prester John, a mythical Christian king, influenced European exploration and diplomacy for centuries. Initially emerging during the Crusades, the myth inspired Europeans to seek alliances with supposed Christian kingdoms. Despite being a forgery, the legend persisted, leading explorers to search for Prester John's kingdom in Asia and Africa. Ethiopia was mistakenly identified as his realm, resulting in diplomatic ties with Europe. However, these relations soured, leading to conflict and the eventual fading of the legend.

How did the Portuguese explorers' perception of Prester John differ from the reality of Ethiopian leadership?

What role did the Roman Catholic Church play in the relationship between Europe and Ethiopia?

What led to the eventual decline of the legend of Prester John in the 1630s?