Comments by "BVargas78" (@BVargas78) on "Medieval African Explorers | African History, Ethiopian Empire, Medieval Africa, Prester John" video.

@kalhistory4030 Tolkien knew his ancient and medieval history very well, so I think he would have been aware of the medieval kingdoms of Ethiopia. Especially as a Christian too, there's something of a romantic quality of a beleaguered christian kingdom, surrounded and isolated in a sea of islamic realms. I do think it inspired some of the place names in his works. There could also be a link between the blue wizards, who went to the far east of middle earth (to help the eastern men vs Sauron) and the legend of Prester John.
18
@balashibuyeeter2704 I think Gondor is based more on an idealised Eastern Roman Empire, but that Tolkien was aware of the Ethiopian kingdom and had probably taken Gondar into account when naming his realm. As for the shire it's based on an idealised British countryside and it's peasants.
3