Abyssinian relevance in Ancient and Biblical history is greatly overstated, if one must note. Their whole Abyssinian 'empire' could not conquer a single acre of Somali land until recent history where the majority of the inhabitants of Galbeed were going under a huge population change. Due it just being an entity that accepted Orthodox Christianity prior to many nations and empires, it has received significant backing from the west. For instance, during the Adal/Abyssinian war, and during the Ogaden war, they were provided significant backing by two major superpowers (Portuguese & Russians), to an extent never seen before. One can argue that Somalis as well received support during those said wars, but it was never to the extent of the backing the Abyssinians received (ie. Soldiers and mercenaries, the providing of many weaponry and tanks to combat the SNA, etc).
Although Somalis never had an 'empire' that was popularized and notable to the public eye, one must note that Somalis constituted strong tribal confederations (Geladi, Ajuuran, etc), and many fierce fighting tribes that were able to combat the Abyssinians.
