"This book analyzes the development of indigenous religious, commercial, and political institutions among the Oromo mainly during the relatively peaceful two centuries in its history, from 1704 to 1882. The largest ethnic group in East Africa, the Oromo promoted peace, cultural assimilation, and ethnic integration. This period witnessed flourishing commerce and communication networks that promoted the maturation of Oromo law and government, the integration of foreign ideas, and the assimilation into Oromo of various other cultures"--