Famous Ethiopian Emperors & Kings

Menelik II was a transformative leader who significantly modernized the Ethiopian Empire during his reign. He successfully completed the process of territorial expansion and establishment of a modern empire-state by 1898. He led Ethiopian troops to victory against Italian invaders in the First Italo-Ethiopian War, securing recognition of Ethiopia's independence and delineation of boundaries. Menelik expanded his realm into various kingdoms and established the first Cabinet of Ministers to aid in the administration of the Empire, ensuring continuity in governance beyond his own reign.

Haile Selassie I was Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974. He initially served as Regent Plenipotentiary for Empress Zewditu and later rose to power. During his reign, he implemented political and social reforms, including introducing Ethiopia's first written constitution and abolishing slavery. He led efforts to defend Ethiopia during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War and played a key role in coordinating anti-fascist activities. He dissolved the Federation of Ethiopia and Eritrea, annexed Eritrea, and promoted international cooperation through memberships in the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity.

Tewodros II was Emperor of Ethiopia from 1855 until his death in 1868, known for his efforts to re-establish a cohesive Ethiopian state and reform its administration and church. He successfully reunified provinces, notably bringing Shewa under his control. Tewodros faced constant rebellions by nobles resisting modernization, but managed to maintain relative peace for a period. He established salaried officials and a professional army, introduced tax codes, centralized political systems, and aimed to reform the church, facing opposition on certain policies.

Yohannes IV rose to power in the 1860s after rebelling against Tewodros II. As Emperor of Ethiopia, he successfully defended the country against Egyptian invasion and maintained a policy of unification. He assisted the British in a military expedition to Abyssinia, which led to Tewodros' suicide. Yohannes prioritized strengthening Christian dominance in Ethiopia, viewing Islam as a threat to stability. In foreign policy, he engaged in conflicts with Isma'il Pasha of Egypt and Muhammad Ahmad during the Mahdist War.

Fasilides, also known as Fasil, Basilide, or Basilides, was Emperor of Ethiopia from 1632 until his death. Renowned as the founder of Gondar, the Ethiopian Empire's capital, he led the Gondarine period. Fasilides expelled the Jesuits, formed security pacts with neighboring Islamic sultanates, and played a key role in combating Agaw rebels. He also dealt with his son Dawit's rebellion by imprisoning him. Fasilides passed away and was buried in a monastery on Daga Island in Lake Tana.

Amda Seyon I, also known as Amda Tsiyon I, was Emperor of Ethiopia from 1314 to 1344. He was a prominent member of the Solomonic dynasty and is celebrated for his military prowess against Muslim sultanates in the southeast. Amda Seyon significantly expanded the Ethiopian Empire through conquests and incorporation of neighboring states, solidifying the strength and legitimacy of the Solomonic dynasty. His reign marked a period of Christian territorial expansion, proselytization, and integration in frontier areas, leaving a lasting impact on the region.

Sahle Selassie was a progressive and benevolent ruler of Shewa, Ethiopia, from 1813 to 1847. He rose to power after seizing the opportunity following his father's murder, displaying diplomatic skills in dealing with rebels and expanding Shewa's territory. Sahle Selassie implemented legal and administrative reforms, limiting harsh punishments, introducing fair taxation, and seeking modernization through contacts with European countries. Despite rejecting foreign missionaries, he encouraged foreign settlers and strengthened his military capabilities, establishing treaties with France and Great Britain.

Darge Sahle Selassie, also known by his horse name Abba Gersa, was a prominent Ethiopian nobleman with a distinguished professional career in the 19th century. He served as a provincial governor, a skilled general, and a trusted advisor to his nephew, Emperor Menelik II. Throughout his professional life, Darge Sahle Selassie played a crucial role in governance, military affairs, and decision-making processes within the Ethiopian hierarchy, contributing significantly to the administration and strategic direction of the empire during that period.

Prince Alemayehu had a brief but impactful professional life, tragically cut short at a young age. He was taken to Britain after his father's defeat, where he received education under the care of various individuals and institutions. Despite being unhappy at times, he showed promise by joining the officers' training school. However, his untimely death occurred while he was in Leeds. Queen Victoria took a keen interest in his life and arranged for his burial at St George's Chapel. The Ethiopian government has sought the return of his remains for reburial in Ethiopia.

Abraha was an Ethiopian viceroy appointed by the Kingdom of Aksum to govern the Himyarite Kingdom of Yemen and parts of the Arabian Peninsula in the 6th century. He is known for leading an army, which included war elephants, in an attempt to destroy the Kaaba, a revered religious site in Mecca, during an event known as the Year of the Elephant. Abraha's professional life was marked by his governance over these territories and his infamous military campaign against the Kaaba.

Abu al-Misk Kafur, also known as al-Laithi, al-Suri, al-Labi, was a prominent figure in Ikhshidid Egypt and Syria. Initially a black slave, he rose to become the vizier of Egypt, effectively ruling the region after the death of his master. He governed over the Ikhshidid territories of Egypt, southern Syria (including Damascus), and Hijaz until his passing. Abu al-Misk Kafur's professional life was characterized by his remarkable ascent from slavery to becoming a powerful and influential ruler in the region.