1.
Davidic line
–
The Davidic line refers to the tracing of lineage to King David referred to many times in the Hebrew Bible and in the New Testament. According to the Tanakh upon being chosen and becoming king, the custom was anointing with holy oil poured on the head. In Davids case, this was done by the prophet Samuel In Hebrew, the anointing is called meshicha and a king is referred to as a Moshiach or Messiah or a Melech HaMashiach meaning the anointed king. The procedure of anointment, in Davids case, is said to symbolize the descent of Gods holiness upon the king and this kingdom was eventually conquered by Assyria who exiled them, to disappear from history as The Ten Lost Tribes. Following the conquest of Judah by Babylon and the exile of its population, the highest official of Babylonian Jewry was the exilarch. Those who held the position traced their ancestry to the House of David in the male line, the position holder was regarded as a king-in-waiting. The Hasmoneans, also known as the Maccabees, were a group from the Tribe of Levi. They established their own monarchy in Judea following their revolt against the Hellenistic Seleucid dynasty, the Hasmoneans were not considered connected to the Davidic line nor to the Tribe of Judah. The Levites had always been excluded from the Israelite monarchy, so when the Maccabees assumed the throne in order to rededicate the defiled Second Temple, a cardinal rule was broken. The Messiah is often referred to as King Messiah, or, in Hebrew, מלך משיח, jewish tradition alludes to two redeemers, both of whom are called mashiach and are involved in ushering in the Messianic age, Mashiach ben David, and Mashiach ben Yosef. In general, the term Messiah unqualified refers to Mashiach ben David, in Christian interpretation the Davidic promise of a Davidic line in 2 Samuel 7 is understood in various ways, traditionally referring to the genealogies of Christ in the New Testament. The Quran mentioned the house of David once and mentioned David 16 times
Davidic line
–
David and Goliath by
Caravaggio
Davidic line
–
House of David
Davidic line
–
Solomon and the
Queen of Sheba
2.
Ethiopian Empire
–
The Ethiopian Empire, also known as Abyssinia, was a kingdom that spanned a geographical area covered by the northern half of the current state of Ethiopia. It existed from approximately 1137 until 1974, when the Solomonic dynasty was overthrown in a coup détat, the country was one of the founding members of the United Nations in 1945. It was the second-to-last country in Africa to use the title of Emperor, the one later was the Central African Empire. Ethiopias human occupation began early, as evidenced by the findings and it is believed that the ancient Egyptians claimed that Punt, known as gold country, was in Ethiopia in 980 BC, according to the report of the Kebra Nagast Menelik I founded the Ethiopian empire. In the 1st century BC. settled the Axumite empire that existed from the 7th century and this kingdom was founded in the 4th century with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church as the state religion and was thus one of the first Christian states. After the conquest of Aksum by Queen Gudit or Yodit, a period began which some refer to as the Ethiopian Dark Ages. According to Ethiopian tradition, she ruled over the remains of the Aksumite Empire for 40 years before transmitting the crown to her descendants, very little is known about the queen or the state, if indeed there even was one she set up. What is evident, however, is that her reign marked the end of Aksumite control in Ethiopia, the last of Queen Yodits successors were overthrown by Mara Takla Haymanot. He founded the Zagwe dynasty in 1137, and married a descendant of the last Aksumite emperor to stake his claim as the legitimate heir to the long dead empire. The kingdoms capital was at Adafa, not far from modern day Lalibela in the Lasta mountains, the Zagwe continued the Christianity of Aksum and constructed many rock-hewn churches such as those at Lalibela. The dynasty would last until its overthrow by a new regime claiming descent from the old Aksumite kings, in 1270 the Zagwe dynasty was overthrown by a king claiming lineage from the Aksumite kings and, hence, Solomon. The thus-named Solomonic dynasty was founded and ruled by the Habesha, the Habesha reigned with only a few interruptions from 1270 until the late 20th century. It was under this dynasty that most of Ethiopias modern history occurred, during this time, the empire conquered and incorporated virtually all the peoples within modern Ethiopia. They successfully fought off Italian, Arab and Turkish armies and made contacts with some European powers. In 1529 Adal forces, led by Ahmad ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi, during the conflict, Adal employed cannons provided by the Ottoman Empire. In the aftermath of the war, Adal annexed Ethiopia, uniting it with territories in what is now Somalia, in 1543, with the help of the Portuguese Empire, the Solomonic dynasty was restored. From 1769 to 1855 the Ethiopian empire was passed through the period of Princes Era and this was a period of Ethiopian history with numerous conflicts between the ras the emperor had a limited power, only dominated the area around the former capital of Gondar. Both the development of society and culture stagnated in this period, religious conflicts, both within the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and the Muslims were often used as a pretext for mutual strife
Ethiopian Empire
–
Africa before 1884
Berlin Conference to divide Africa.
Ethiopian Empire
–
Flag
3.
Emperor of Ethiopia
–
The Emperor of Ethiopia was the hereditary ruler of the Ethiopian Empire, until the abolition of the monarchy in 1975. The Emperor was the head of state and head of government, with executive, judicial. A National Geographic Magazine article called imperial Ethiopia nominally a constitutional monarchy, the title of King of Kings, often rendered imprecisely in English as Emperor, dates back to ancient Mesopotamia, but was used in Axum by King Sembrouthes. However, Yuri Kobishchanov dates this usage to the following the Persian victory over the Romans in 296-297. The consort of the Emperor was referred to as the ətege, empress Zauditu used the feminized form nəgəstä nägäst to show that she reigned in her own right, and did not use the title of ətege. At the death of a monarch any male or female relative of the Emperor could claim succession to the throne, sons, brothers. Practice favoured primogeniture but did not always enforce it, Ethiopian traditions do not all agree as to exactly when the custom started of imprisoning rivals to the throne on a Mountain of the Princes. Taddesse Tamrat argues that this began in the reign of Wedem Arad. The potential royal rivals were incarcerated at Amba Geshen until Ahmed Gragn captured that site in 1540 and destroyed it, then, from the reign of Fasilides until the mid-18th century, rumors of these royal mountain residences were part of the inspiration for Samuel Johnsons short story, Rasselas. His claim to the throne was also helped by his marriage to that kings daughter, while the surviving records of these kings fail to shed light on their origins, this genealogical claim is first documented in the 10th century by an Arab historian. Interpretations of this vary widely. Some accept it as evident fact, at the other extreme, others understand this as an expression of propaganda, attempting to connect the legitimacy of the state to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Some scholars take an approach in the middle, attempting to find a connection between Axum and the South Arabian kingdom of Saba, or between Axum and the pre-exilic Kingdom of Judah. Due to lack of materials, it is not possible as of 2006 to determine which theory is the more plausible. The restored Solomonic dynasty, which claimed descent from the old Aksumite rulers, ruled Ethiopia from the 13th century until 1974, the most significant usurper was Kassa of Kwara, who in 1855 took complete control over Ethiopia and was crowned Tewodros II. After his defeat and demise, another Solomonic dynasty, Dejazmatch Kassai took over as Yohannes IV, however, the most famous post-Theodorean Emperors were Yohannes IV, Menelik II and Haile Selassie. Emperor Menelik II achieved a military victory against Italian invaders in March 1896 at the Battle of Adwa. Menelik lost Eritrea to Italy and Djubouti to France, after Menelik, all monarchs were of distaff descent from Solomonics
Emperor of Ethiopia
–
Haile Selassie I
Emperor of Ethiopia
–
Imperial Coat of arms
4.
King of Kings
–
The first king known to use the title king of kings was Tukulti-Ninurta I of Assyria. The title was adopted in Biblical Hebrew, as מֶלֶךְ מְלָכִים, the same usage appears in Aramaic portions of the Book of Daniel 2,37, where Nebuchadnezzar is called מֶלֶךְ מַלְכַיָּא. The first written record of consistent use of the dates to the kings of the Achaemenid Empire. The title King of Kings was one of the titles borne by Cyrus the Great, and later all other Achaemenid kings, who were in fact ruling over provincial governors, the Persian usage also appears in Ezra 7,12 in reference to Artaxerxes I. The New Persian word was revived by some Islamic dynasties in Persia with the meaning great king. Alexander the Great had the title, Basileus ton Basileon meaning king of kings and this title was likely given to him to imply that he was a successor of the Persian kings who had the same title. Tigranes II of Armenia used an equivalent to king of kings. The title was used in the Donations of Alexandria ceremony in 34BC, Jesus Christ is called the king of kings once in the First Epistle to Timothy and twice in the Book of Revelation. But king of kings has also used as the title of a monarch in Christian tradition. Βασιλεύς Βασιλέων Βασιλεύων Βασιλευόντων King of Kings, Ruling over Those who Rule was the motto of the Byzantine Palaiologos dynasty, the Emperors of Ethiopia had the title of king of kings. The title of king of kings is criticized in hadith, Verily, a related phrase is Malik Al-Mulk, one of the 99 names of Allah. The title shahanshah was revived by the Pahlavi dynasty of Persia in the 20th century and it was abolished when the Islamic Revolution toppled the monarchy in Iran. Muammar Gaddafi of Libya claimed to be King of Kings, a title that he subsequently had a gathering of African tribal chiefs endorse in 2008, Gaddafi urged the royals to join his campaign for African unity. Henrik Larsson WWE wrestler Triple H is also dubbed as The King of Kings, in The Simpsons episode A Star Is Burns, an actor starring in Mr. Burns movie A Burns for All Seasons referred to him as being truly The King of Kings. In the movie 300, King Xerxes I referred to himself as King of Kings, in Percy Shelleys sonnet, Ozymandias, Ozymandias refers to himself as King of Kings on line 10. In Family Guy episode Jesus, Mary and Joseph
King of Kings
–
"
Christ as King of Kings". A Russian
icon from
Murom (1690)
King of Kings
–
Royal, noble and
chivalric ranks
5.
Negus
–
NEGas redirects here, for the former North Eastern gas board see North Eastern Gas Board Negus is a royal title in the Ethiopian Semitic languages. It denotes a monarch, such as the Bahri Negus of the Medri Bahri in pre-1890 Eritrea, the title has subsequently been used to translate the words king or emperor in Biblical and other literature. Negus is a derived from the Ethiopian Semitic root ngś. In more recent times, it was used as a title bestowed on governors of the most important provinces, Gojjam, Welega. The Negus was crowned as a sovereign of Ethiopia, emperor of Ethiopia RoyalArk – Ethiopia. Archived from the original on 2008-05-28
Negus
–
Royal seal of Negus.
6.
King of Yemen
–
The Imams of Yemen and later the Kings of Yemen were religiously consecrated leaders belonging to the Zaidiyyah branch of Shia Islam. They established a blend of religious and secular rule in parts of Yemen from 897 and their imamate endured under varying circumstances until the republican revolution in 1962. Zaidiyyah theology differed from Sevener or Twelver Shiites by stressing the presence of an active, the imam was expected to be knowledgeable in religious scholarship, and to prove himself a worthy headman of the community, even in battle if this was necessary. A claimant of the imamate would proclaim a call, and there were not infrequently more than one claimant, the imams based their legitimacy on descent from the Prophet Muhammad, mostly via al-Qasim ar-Rassi. After him, the imams are sometimes known as Rassids. The first of the line, his grandson al-Hadi ilal-Haqq Yahya, was born in Medina. His fame as an intellectual as well as a leader of note and he was summoned to govern the highland tribes in 893 and again in 896–97. Al-Hadi introduced a multiude of policies and practices that evolved into the particular Yemenite Zaidiyyah brand, the efforts of al-Hadi eventually became the basic guidelines for the religious as well as political characteristics of Yemeni Zaydism. Al-Hadi, however, was not able to consolidate his rule in all of Yemen and he could not even create an enduring state in the highlands, due to the strong localism persisting in the region. There were revolts as well as segments of the population that did not accept his and his successors pretensions to religio-political rule and it is from among them that the imams of Yemen were selected for the next one thousand years. It existed as a part of a number of different political systems/ruling dynasties between the ninth and sixteenth centuries, after which it became a part of the Ottoman Empire. After Imam al-Hadis death in 911, his sons took over the imamate in turn, although it was not hereditary but rather elective among the descendants of Muhammad. From the 11th to the early 17th centuries, however, the imams were not chosen from the sons of the former imam. Meanwhile, a multitude of smaller dynasties and families established themselves in the highlands, among the better known of these are the Yufirids, the Najahids, the Sulayhids, the Zurayids, and the Hatimids. It was during this period, when the Fatimid state was influential, during most of this period, the dynasties and their rulers were primarily engaged in familial, regional, and occasionally sectarian disputes. For part of the era the Zaydiyyah imams were eclipsed by the lowland dynasties. From the end of the century the political fortunes of the Zaydiyya imams revived somewhat. They were able to hold their own against the Rasulids and Tahirids, often however, and especially after 1436, the imamate was split between several contenders
King of Yemen
–
Coat of arms of the Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen
7.
Duke
–
A duke or duchess can either be a monarch ruling over a duchy or a member of the nobility, historically of highest rank below the monarch. During the Middle Ages the title signified first among the Germanic monarchies, Dukes were the rulers of the provinces and the superiors of the counts in the cities and later, in the feudal monarchies, the highest-ranking peers of the king. During the 19th century many of the smaller German and Italian states were ruled by Dukes or Grand Dukes, but at present, with the exception of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, there are no dukes ruling as monarchs. Duke remains the highest hereditary title in Portugal, Spain, in Sweden, members of the Royal Family are given a personal dukedom at birth. The Pope, as a sovereign, has also, though rarely. In some realms the relative status of duke and prince, as borne by the nobility rather than by members of reigning dynasties, varied—e. g. in Italy. A woman who holds in her own right the title to such duchy or dukedom, Queen Elizabeth II, however, is known by tradition as Duke of Normandy in the Channel Islands and Duke of Lancaster in Lancashire. A duchy is the territory or geopolitical entity ruled by a duke, a dukedom is the title or status of a duke, a rank in the present or past nobility, and is not necessarily attached to a duchy. A few examples exist today, The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a independent state and its head. In Scotland the male heir apparent to the British crown is always the Duke of Rothesay as well, the Channel Islands are two of the three remaining Crown Dependencies, the last vestiges of the lands of the Duchy of Normandy. The Islanders in their loyal toast will say La Reine, notre Duc, however, the Channel Islands, part of the lost Duchy, remained a self-governing possession of the English Crown. While the islands today retain autonomy in government, they owe allegiance to The Queen in her role as Duke of Normandy. During the Middle Ages, after Roman power in Western Europe collapsed, in 1332, Robert of Taranto succeeded his father, Philip. John took the style of Duke of Durazzo, in 1368, Durazzo fell to Karl Thopia, who was recognized by Venice as Prince of Albania. The Visigoths retained the Roman divisions of their kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula and they were the most powerful landowners and, along with the bishops, elected the king, usually from their own midst. They were the commanders and in this capacity often acted independently from the king. The army was structured decimally with the highest unit, the thiufa, the cities were commanded by counts, who were in turn answerable to the dukes, who called up the thiufae when necessary. When the Lombards entered Italy, the Latin chroniclers called their war leaders duces in the old fashion and these leaders eventually became the provincial rulers, each with a recognized seat of government
Duke
–
Royal, noble and
chivalric ranks
8.
Archduke
–
Archduke was the title borne from 1358 by the Habsburg rulers of the Archduchy of Austria, and later by all senior members of that dynasty. It denotes a rank within the former Holy Roman Empire, which was below that of Emperor and King and above that of a Grand Duke, Duke, the territory ruled by an Archduke or Archduchess was called an Archduchy. All remaining Archduchies ceased to exist in 1918, in the Carolingian Empire, the title Archduke was awarded not as rank of nobility, but as a unique honorary title to the Duke of Lotharingia. Lotharingia was eventually absorbed by East Francia, becoming part of the Holy Roman Empire rather than a fully independent Kingdom, the later extended fragmentation of both territories created two succeeding Duchies in the Low Countries, Brabant and Geldre. Both claimed archducal status but were never recognised as such by the Holy Roman Emperor. Archduke of Austria, the archducal title to re-emerge, was invented in the Privilegium Maius in the 14th century by Duke Rudolf IV of Austria. Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV refused to recognise the title, as did all the ruling dynasties of the member countries of the Empire. But Duke Ernest the Iron and his descendants assumed the title of Archduke. Emperor Frederick III himself simply used the title Duke of Austria, never Archduke, the title was first granted to Fredericks younger brother, Albert VI of Austria, who used it at least from 1458. In 1477, Frederick III also granted the title of Archduke to his first cousin, Sigismund of Austria, the title appears first in documents issued under the joint rule of Maximilian and his son Philip in the Low Countries. Archduke was initially borne by those dynasts who ruled a Habsburg territory—i. e, only by males and their consorts, appanages being commonly distributed to cadets. But these junior archdukes did not thereby become sovereign hereditary rulers, occasionally a territory might be combined with a separate gubernatorial mandate ruled by an archducal cadet. From the 16th century onward, Archduke and its form, Archduchess. After the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire this usage was retained in the Austrian Empire, thus those members of the Habsburg family who are residents of the Republic of Austria are simply known by their first name and their surname Habsburg-Lothringen. However, members of the family who reside in other countries may or may not use the title, in accordance with laws, for example, Otto Habsburg-Lothringen, the eldest son of the last Habsburg Emperor, was an Austrian, Hungarian and German citizen. Hence, no member of the family other than the King bears the title of Archduke. The insignia of the Archduke of Lower and Upper Austria was the archducal hat, List of rulers of Austria List of Austrian consorts
Archduke
–
Archducal hat, the coronet of an archduke
Archduke
–
Bust of
Archduke Leopold Wilhelm of Austria
Archduke
–
The heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne,
Archduke Franz Ferdinand (right) with his family. Ferdinand, along with his wife, was assassinated at Sarajevo in 1914, which sparked World War I
9.
Haile Selassie
–
Haile Selassie I,23 July 1892 –27 August 1975), born Tafari Makonnen Woldemikael, was Ethiopias regent from 1916 to 1930 and emperor from 1930 to 1974. He also served as Chairperson of the Organisation of African Unity from 25 May 1963 to 17 July 1964 and 5 November 1966 to 11 September 1967 and he was a member of the Solomonic Dynasty. At the League of Nations in 1936, the emperor condemned the use of weapons by Italy against his people during the Second Italo–Ethiopian War. His regime was also criticized by rights groups, such as Human Rights Watch, as autocratic. Among the Rastafari movement, whose followers are estimated at two and four million, Haile Selassie is revered as the returned messiah of the Bible. Beginning in Jamaica in the 1930s, the Rastafari movement perceives Haile Selassie as a figure who will lead a future golden age of eternal peace, righteousness. Haile Selassie was an Ethiopian Orthodox Christian throughout his life and he is a defining figure in Ethiopian history. Haile Selassie died on 27 August 1975 at the age of 83, Haile Selassie was known as a child as Lij Tafari Makonnen. Lij is translated as child, and serves to indicate that a youth is of noble blood and his given name, Tafari, means one who is respected or feared. Like most Ethiopians, his personal name Tafari is followed by that of his father Makonnen and his Geez name Haile Selassie was given to him at his infant baptism and adopted again as part of his regnal name in 1930. As Governor of Harer, he known as Ras Teferi Makonnen listen. Ras is translated as head and is a rank of nobility equivalent to Duke, in 1916, Empress Zewditu I appointed him to the position of Balemulu Siltan Enderase. In 1928, she granted him the throne of Shoa, elevating his title to Negus or King, on 2 November 1930, after the death of Empress Zewditu, Ras Tafari was crowned Negusa Nagast, literally King of Kings, rendered in English as Emperor. Upon his ascension, he took as his regnal name Haile Selassie I, Haile means in Geez Power of and Selassie means trinity—therefore Haile Selassie roughly translates to Power of the Trinity. Haile Selassies full title in office was By the Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, King of Kings of Ethiopia, Elect of God. This title reflects Ethiopian dynastic traditions, which hold that all monarchs must trace their lineage to Menelik I, who was the offspring of King Solomon, to Ethiopians, Haile Selassie has been known by many names, including Janhoy, Talaqu Meri, and Abba Tekel. The Rastafari movement employs many of these appellations, also referring to him as Jah, Jah Jah, Jah Rastafari, Haile Selassies royal line originated from the Amhara people, but he also had Oromo, and Gurage roots. He was born on 23 July 1892, in the village of Ejersa Goro and his mother was Woizero Yeshimebet Ali Abba Jifar, daughter of the renowned Oromo ruler of Wollo province Dejazmach Ali Abba Jifar
Haile Selassie
–
Haile Selassie I in 1969
Haile Selassie
–
Lij Teferi Makonnen at age 3
Haile Selassie
–
Ras Makonnen Woldemikael and his son Lij Tafari Makonnen
Haile Selassie
–
Dejazmatch Tafari, as governor of Harar
10.
Zera Yacob Amha Selassie
–
Zera Yacob Amha Selassie, Crown Prince of Ethiopia is the grandson of Emperor Haile Selassie and son of Emperor-in-Exile Amha Selassie of Ethiopia. He has been Head of the Imperial House of Ethiopia since 17 February 1997 and is recognized as such by the self-styled Crown Council of Ethiopia. He attended Eton College and graduated from Exeter College, Oxford and he was named Acting Crown Prince and heir presumptive to the Imperial throne of Ethiopia in 1974 by his grandfather, Emperor Haile Selassie, following his fathers severe stroke a year earlier. Following the fall of the Ethiopian monarchy, Prince Zera Yacob completed his studies at Oxford in the mid-seventies and he then returned to London to be closer to his parents. He was married and had a daughter, Princess Lideta Zera Yacob and he briefly accompanied his father Amha Selassie when he moved to Virginia in the US in 1989, but later returned to England and resided for a time in Manchester. He was named heir apparent by his father Crown Prince Asfaw Wossen, Crown Prince Zera Yacob has been regarded as head of the Imperial Family of Ethiopia since the death of his father on 17 February 1997. He is currently living in Addis Abeba, executive Director of the Ethiopian Peace Foundation since 2002. Prince Zera Yacob is the sovereign of the Imperial Ethiopian Order of Saint Mary of Zion, andrew Knight Grand Collar of the Royal Order of the Drum Line of succession to the Ethiopian Throne The Crown Council of Ethiopia Imperial Ethiopian College of Heraldry of the Solomonic Crown
Zera Yacob Amha Selassie
11.
Royal House
–
A dynasty is a sequence of rulers from the same family, usually in the context of a feudal or monarchical system but sometimes also appearing in elective republics. The dynastic family or lineage may be known as a house, historians periodize the histories of many sovereign states, such as Ancient Egypt, the Carolingian Empire and Imperial China, using a framework of successive dynasties. As such, the dynasty may be used to delimit the era during which the family reigned and to describe events, trends. The word dynasty itself is often dropped from such adjectival references, until the 19th century, it was taken for granted that a legitimate function of a monarch was to aggrandize his dynasty, that is, to increase the territory, wealth, and power of his family members. The longest-surviving dynasty in the world is the Imperial House of Japan, dynasties throughout the world have traditionally been reckoned patrilineally, such as under the Frankish Salic law. Succession through a daughter when permitted was considered to establish a new dynasty in her husbands ruling house, however, some states in Africa, determined descent matrilineally, while rulers have at other times adopted the name of their mothers dynasty when coming into her inheritance. It is also extended to unrelated people such as poets of the same school or various rosters of a single sports team. The word dynasty derives via Latin dynastia from Greek dynastéia, where it referred to power, dominion and it was the abstract noun of dynástēs, the agent noun of dynamis, power or ability, from dýnamai, to be able. A ruler in a dynasty is referred to as a dynast. For example, following his abdication, Edward VIII of the United Kingdom ceased to be a member of the House of Windsor. A dynastic marriage is one that complies with monarchical house law restrictions, the marriage of Willem-Alexander, Prince of Orange, to Máxima Zorreguieta in 2002 was dynastic, for example, and their eldest child is expected to inherit the Dutch crown eventually. But the marriage of his younger brother Prince Friso to Mabel Wisse Smit in 2003 lacked government support, thus Friso forfeited his place in the order of succession, lost his title as a Prince of the Netherlands, and left his children without dynastic rights. In historical and monarchist references to formerly reigning families, a dynast is a member who would have had succession rights, were the monarchys rules still in force. Even since abolition of the Austrian monarchy, Max and his descendants have not been considered the rightful pretenders by Austrian monarchists, nor have they claimed that position. The term dynast is sometimes used only to refer to descendants of a realms monarchs. The term can therefore describe overlapping but distinct sets of people, yet he is not a male-line member of the royal family, and is therefore not a dynast of the House of Windsor. Thus, in 1999 he requested and obtained permission from Elizabeth II to marry the Roman Catholic Princess Caroline of Monaco. Yet a clause of the English Act of Settlement 1701 remained in effect at that time and that exclusion, too, ceased to apply on 26 March 2015, with retroactive effect for those who had been dynasts prior to triggering it by marriage to a Catholic
Royal House
–
Charles I of England and his son, the future
James II
12.
Solomon
–
Solomon, also called Jedidiah, was, according to the Bible, Quran, hadith and Hidden Words a fabulously wealthy and wise king of Israel and a son of David, the previous king of Israel. The conventional dates of Solomons reign are circa 970 to 931 BC and he is described as the third king of the United Monarchy, which would break apart into the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah shortly after his death. Following the split, his descendants ruled over Judah alone. According to the Talmud, Solomon is one of the 48 prophets, in the Quran, he is considered a major prophet, and Muslims generally refer to him by the Arabic variant Sulayman, son of David. Solomon was, according to the Quran, a king of ancient Israel as well as the son of David, the Hebrew Bible credits him as the builder of the First Temple in Jerusalem. It portrays him as great in wisdom, wealth, and power any of the previous kings of the country. His sins included idolatry, marrying foreign women, and ultimately turning away from Yahweh, Solomon is the subject of many other later references and legends, most notably in the 1st-century apocryphal work known as the Testament of Solomon. Solomon was born in Jerusalem, the second child of David and his wife Bathsheba. The first child, a son conceived adulterously during Uriahs lifetime, had died before Solomon was conceived as a punishment on account of the death of Uriah by Davids order. Solomon had three named full brothers through Bathsheba, Nathan, Shammua, and Shobab, besides six known older half-brothers through as many mothers, according to the First Book of Kings, when David was old, he could not get warm. So they sought a young woman throughout all the territory of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite. The young woman was very beautiful, and she was of service to the king and attended to him, while David was in this state, court factions were maneuvering for power. Solomon greatly expanded his military strength, especially the cavalry and chariot arms and he founded numerous colonies, some of which doubled as trading posts and military outposts. Trade relationships were a focus of his administration, Solomon is considered the most wealthy of the Israelite kings named in the Bible. Solomon also built the First Temple, beginning in the year of his reign. Solomon was the Biblical king most famous for his wisdom, in 1 Kings he sacrificed to God and prayed for wisdom. God personally answered his prayer, promising him great wisdom because he did not ask for self-serving rewards like long life or the death of his enemies. Perhaps the best known story of his wisdom is the Judgment of Solomon, Solomon easily resolved the dispute by commanding the child to be cut in half and shared between the two
Solomon
–
The Judgment of Solomon, 1617 by
Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640)
Solomon
–
Cornelis de Vos, The Anointing of Solomon. According to 1
Kings 1:39, Solomon was
anointed by
Zadok.
Solomon
–
Luca Giordano – Dream of Solomon – God promises Solomon Wisdom.
Solomon
–
The judgment of Solomon, painting on ceramic, Castelli, 18th century, Lille Museum of Fine Arts
13.
Queen of Sheba
–
The Queen of Sheba is a Biblical figure. The queen of Sheba came to Jerusalem with a great retinue, with camels bearing spices, and very much gold. Never again came such an abundance of spices as those she gave to Solomon and she came to prove him with hard questions, which Solomon answered to her satisfaction. They exchanged gifts, after which she returned to her land, the use of the term ḥiddot or riddles, an Aramaic loanword whose shape points to a sound shift no earlier than the sixth century B. C. indicates a late origin for the text. Since there is no mention of the fall of Babylon in 539 B. C. Martin Noth has held that the Book of Kings received a definitive redaction around 550 B. C. Virtually all modern scholars agree that Sheba was the South Arabian kingdom of Saba, centered around the oasis of Marib, Sheba was quite known in the classical world, and its country was called Arabia Felix. Around the middle of the first millennium B. C. there were Sabaeans also in the Horn of Africa, in the area that later became the realm of Aksum. There are five places in the Bible where the writer distinguishes Sheba, i. e. the Yemenite Sabaeans, from Seba, in Ps.72,10 they are mentioned together, the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. This spelling differentiation, however, may be purely factitious, the indigenous inscriptions make no such difference, the alphabetic inscriptions from South Arabia furnish no evidence for women rulers, but Assyrian inscriptions repeatedly mention Arab queens in the north. Queens are well attested in Arabia, though according to Kitchen, furthermore, Sabaean tribes knew the title of mqtwyt. Makada or Makueda, the name of the queen in Ethiopian legend. This title may be derived from Ancient Egyptian mkit protectress, housewife, the queens visit could have been a trade mission. Early South Arabian trade with Mesopotamia involving wood and spices transported by camels is attested in the ninth century B. C. Christian scriptures mention a queen of the South, who came from the uttermost parts of the earth, i. e. from the extremities of the known world. In his commentary, Origen identified the bride of the Canticles with the queen of the South of the Gospels, i. e. the Queen of Sheba, who is assumed to have been Ethiopian. Others have proposed either the marriage of Solomon with Pharaohs daughter, or his marriage with an Israelitish woman, the former was the favorite opinion of the mystical interpreters to the end of the 18th century, the latter has obtained since its introduction by Good. The bride of the Canticles is assumed to have been due to a passage in Cant. 1,5, which the Revised Standard Version translates as I am very dark, one legend has that the Queen of Sheba brought Solomon the same gifts that the Magi later gave to Christ
Queen of Sheba
–
King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba
Piero della Francesca
Queen of Sheba
–
Queen of Sheba and Solomon, around 1280, window nowadays in
Cologne Cathedral
Queen of Sheba
–
The Queen of Sheba, Prague, Czech Republic
Queen of Sheba
–
The Embarkation of the Queen of Sheba,
Claude Lorrain (1600‒1682), oil on canvas
14.
Queen regnant
–
An empress regnant is a female monarch who reigns in her own right over an empire. A queen regnant possesses and exercises sovereign powers, a queen consort shares her husbands rank and titles, but does not share the sovereignty of her husband. The husband of a queen regnant traditionally does not share his wifes rank, however, the concept of a king consort is not unheard of in contemporary or classical periods. A queen dowager is the widow of a king, a queen mother is a queen dowager who is also the mother of a reigning sovereign. The Byzantine Empress Irene sometimes called herself basileus, emperor, rather than basilissa, empress and Jadwiga of Poland was crowned as Rex Poloniae, King of Poland. Among the Davidic Monarchs of the Kingdom of Judah, there is mentioned a queen regnant, Athaliah. The much later Hasmonean Queen Salome Alexandra was highly popular, accession of a regnant occurs as a nations order of succession permits. The scope of succession may be matrilineal, patrilineal, or both, or, rarely, open to general election when necessary, the right of succession may be open to men and women, or limited to men only or women only. Historically, many realms forbade succession by women or through a line in obedience to the Salic law. No queen regnant ever ruled France, for example, only one woman, Maria Theresa, ruled Austria. As noted in the list below of widely known ruling queens, in the waning days of the 20th century and early days of the 21st, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Luxembourg and the UK amended their acts of succession to absolute primogeniture. In some cases the change does not take effect during the lifetimes of people already in the line of succession at the time the law was passed, in 2011, the 16 Realms of the Commonwealth agreed to remove the rule of male-preference primogeniture. Once the necessary legislation was passed, this means that had Prince William had a daughter first, in China, Wu Zetian became the Chinese empress regnant and established the Zhou Dynasty after dismissing her sons. It should be noted, however, that Empress Wu used the title huangdi and in many European sources, although the Chrysanthemum Throne of Japan is currently barred to women, this has not always been the case, throughout Japanese history there have been eight empresses regnant. Again, the Japanese language uses the term josei tennō for the position which would be empress regnant in English, monarch Order of succession Queen consort Rani Regent Salic law Sultana Monter, William. The Rise of Female Kings in Europe, 1300-1800, studies 30 women who exercised full sovereign authority in Europe
Queen regnant
–
Elizabeth II, here with her husband on the occasion of her coronation in 1953
Queen regnant
–
Royal, noble and
chivalric ranks
Queen regnant
–
Margaret I ruled Denmark, Sweden and Norway in the late 14th and early 15th centuries.
Queen regnant
–
Elizabeth II
15.
Bible
–
The Bible is a collection of sacred texts or scriptures that Jews and Christians consider to be a product of divine inspiration and a record of the relationship between God and humans. Many different authors contributed to the Bible, what is regarded as canonical text differs depending on traditions and groups, a number of Bible canons have evolved, with overlapping and diverging contents. The Christian Old Testament overlaps with the Hebrew Bible and the Greek Septuagint, the New Testament is a collection of writings by early Christians, believed to be mostly Jewish disciples of Christ, written in first-century Koine Greek. These early Christian Greek writings consist of narratives, letters, among Christian denominations there is some disagreement about the contents of the canon, primarily the Apocrypha, a list of works that are regarded with varying levels of respect. Attitudes towards the Bible also differ amongst Christian groups and this concept arose during the Protestant Reformation, and many denominations today support the use of the Bible as the only source of Christian teaching. With estimated total sales of over 5 billion copies, the Bible is widely considered to be the book of all time. It has estimated sales of 100 million copies, and has been a major influence on literature and history, especially in the West. The English word Bible is from the Latin biblia, from the word in Medieval Latin and Late Latin. Medieval Latin biblia is short for biblia sacra holy book, while biblia in Greek and it gradually came to be regarded as a feminine singular noun in medieval Latin, and so the word was loaned as a singular into the vernaculars of Western Europe. Latin biblia sacra holy books translates Greek τὰ βιβλία τὰ ἅγια ta biblia ta hagia, the word βιβλίον itself had the literal meaning of paper or scroll and came to be used as the ordinary word for book. It is the diminutive of βύβλος byblos, Egyptian papyrus, possibly so called from the name of the Phoenician sea port Byblos from whence Egyptian papyrus was exported to Greece, the Greek ta biblia was an expression Hellenistic Jews used to describe their sacred books. Christian use of the term can be traced to c.223 CE, bruce notes that Chrysostom appears to be the first writer to use the Greek phrase ta biblia to describe both the Old and New Testaments together. The division of the Hebrew Bible into verses is based on the sof passuk cantillation mark used by the 10th-century Masoretes to record the verse divisions used in oral traditions. The oldest extant copy of a complete Bible is an early 4th-century parchment book preserved in the Vatican Library, the oldest copy of the Tanakh in Hebrew and Aramaic dates from the 10th century CE. The oldest copy of a complete Latin Bible is the Codex Amiatinus and he states that it is not a magical book, nor was it literally written by God and passed to mankind. In Christian Bibles, the New Testament Gospels were derived from traditions in the second half of the first century CE. Riches says that, Scholars have attempted to reconstruct something of the history of the oral traditions behind the Gospels, the period of transmission is short, less than 40 years passed between the death of Jesus and the writing of Marks Gospel. This means that there was time for oral traditions to assume fixed form
Bible
–
The
Gutenberg Bible, the first printed Bible
Bible
–
The Kennicott Bible, by
Benjamin Kennicott, with illustration, Jonah being swallowed by the fish, 1476
Bible
–
Tanakh
16.
Jerusalem
–
Jerusalem is a city located on a plateau in the Judaean Mountains between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea. It is considered a city in the three major Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. During its long history, Jerusalem has been destroyed at least twice, besieged 23 times, attacked 52 times, the part of Jerusalem called the City of David was settled in the 4th millennium BCE. In 1538, walls were built around Jerusalem under Suleiman the Magnificent, today those walls define the Old City, which has been traditionally divided into four quarters—known since the early 19th century as the Armenian, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim Quarters. The Old City became a World Heritage Site in 1981, and is on the List of World Heritage in Danger, Modern Jerusalem has grown far beyond the Old Citys boundaries. These foundational events, straddling the dawn of the 1st millennium BCE, the sobriquet of holy city was probably attached to Jerusalem in post-exilic times. The holiness of Jerusalem in Christianity, conserved in the Septuagint which Christians adopted as their own authority, was reinforced by the New Testament account of Jesuss crucifixion there, in Sunni Islam, Jerusalem is the third-holiest city, after Mecca and Medina. As a result, despite having an area of only 0, outside the Old City stands the Garden Tomb. Today, the status of Jerusalem remains one of the issues in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. During the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, West Jerusalem was among the captured and later annexed by Israel while East Jerusalem, including the Old City, was captured. Israel captured East Jerusalem from Jordan during the 1967 Six-Day War and subsequently annexed it into Jerusalem, one of Israels Basic Laws, the 1980 Jerusalem Law, refers to Jerusalem as the countrys undivided capital. All branches of the Israeli government are located in Jerusalem, including the Knesset, the residences of the Prime Minister and President, the international community does not recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital, and the city hosts no foreign embassies. Jerusalem is also home to some non-governmental Israeli institutions of importance, such as the Hebrew University. In 2011, Jerusalem had a population of 801,000, of which Jews comprised 497,000, Muslims 281,000, a city called Rušalim in the Execration texts of the Middle Kingdom of Egypt is widely, but not universally, identified as Jerusalem. Jerusalem is called Urušalim in the Amarna letters of Abdi-Heba, the name Jerusalem is variously etymologized to mean foundation of the god Shalem, the god Shalem was thus the original tutelary deity of the Bronze Age city. The form Yerushalem or Yerushalayim first appears in the Bible, in the Book of Joshua, according to a Midrash, the name is a combination of Yhwh Yireh and the town Shalem. The earliest extra-biblical Hebrew writing of the word Jerusalem is dated to the sixth or seventh century BCE and was discovered in Khirbet Beit Lei near Beit Guvrin in 1961. The inscription states, I am Yahweh thy God, I will accept the cities of Judah and I will redeem Jerusalem, or as other scholars suggest, the mountains of Judah belong to him, to the God of Jerusalem
Jerusalem
–
From upper left: Jerusalem skyline viewed from Givat ha'Arba,
Mamilla, the
Old City and the
Dome of the Rock, a
souq in the
Old City, the
Knesset, the
Western Wall, the
Tower of David and the
Ottoman Old City walls
Jerusalem
–
Hebrew: יְרוּשָׁלַיִם (Yerushalayim)
Arabic: القُدس (al-Quds)
Aramaic: יְרוּשְׁלֶם (Yərushəlem)
Jerusalem
Jerusalem
–
Stepped Stone Structure in
Ophel /
City of David, the oldest part of Jerusalem
17.
Zagwe dynasty
–
The Zagwe dynasty was a historical kingdom in present-day northern Ethiopia. The name of the dynasty is thought to derive from the Geez phrase Ze-Agaw, Zagwes best-known King was Gebre Mesqel Lalibela, who is credited with having constructed the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. Around 960, Queen Gudit destroyed the remnants of the Kingdom of Aksum, for 40 years she ruled over what remained of the kingdom, eventually passing on the throne to her descendants. According to other Ethiopian traditional accounts, the last of her dynasty was overthrown by Mara Takla Haymanot in 1137 and he married a daughter of the last king of Aksum, Dil Naod, putting control of Ethiopia in Agaw hands. Since he married Emperor Dil Naods daughter, who was a member of the Solomonic Dynasty, Emperor Mara Tekla Haymanots marriage and off-spring thereof makes him the only Emperor without known ties to the Biblical King Solomon and Makeda, the Queen of Sheba. Mara Teklehaimanots ancestry is from Eritrea, in the province called Hamasien and his name starts with Mara or Mirarah because he came from the place in Hamasien called Fishey Mirarah. The Zagwe period is still shrouded in mystery, even the number of kings in this dynasty is disputed, some sources give the names of eleven kings who ruled for 354 years, others list only five who ruled 143. Henze reports the existence of at least one list containing 16 names, according to Carlo Conti Rossini, the shorter length of this dynasty was the more likely one. The mystery of the Zagwe dynasty is perhaps darkest around its replacement by the revived Solomonic dynasty under Yekuno Amlak, taddesse Tamrat believes that this last ruler was actually Yetbarak. Qirqos in Gaynt on the side of the Bashilo River
Zagwe dynasty
–
Approximate extension of the Ethiopian Empire under the Zagwe Dynasty
18.
History of Ethiopia
–
The Ethiopian Empire was first founded by Habesha people in the Ethiopian Highlands. One of the earliest kingdoms to rise to power in the territory was the kingdom of Dmt in the 10th century BCE, the Aksumite empire fell into decline with the rise of Islam, forcing the Ethiopians to move south into the highlands for refuge. The Aksumites gave way to the Zagwe Dynasty who established a new capital at Lalibela, during the early Solomonic period Ethiopia went through military reforms and imperial expansion that made it dominate the Horn of Africa. Portuguese missionaries arrived at this time, in 1529, a conquest of Abyssinia by the Somali Muslim Adal Sultanate allied with the Ottoman Empire devastated the highlands, and was only deterred by a Portuguese intervention. With both Ethiopia and Adal greatly weakened by the war, the Oromo people were able to invade into the highlands, conquering the remains of the Adal Sultanate and pushing deep into Ethiopia. The Portuguese presence also increased, while the Ottomans began to push into what is now Eritrea, creating the Habesh Eyalet. A new capital was established at Gondar in 1632, and a period of peace, Ethiopia was reunified in 1855 under Tewodros II, beginning Ethiopias modern history. Ethiopia began to go through a slow modernisation process under a leadership of Yohannes IV, Emperor Yohannes fought and won wars against Egyptians, Italians and Mehadists to keep his people free from foreign invaders. He was killed in action in 1889, under Menelik II Ethiopia defeated an Italian invasion in 1896 and came to be recognised as a legitimate state by European powers. A more rapid modernisation took place under Menelik II and Haile Selassie, the Italian army managed to occupy parts of the country from October 1935-May 1940 under a military occupation. A joint force of British and Ethiopian rebels managed to drive the Italians out of the country in 1941, Haile Selassie was overthrown in 1974 and the militaristic Derg Regime came to power. In 1977 Somalia invaded to try and annex the Ogaden region, but were pushed back by Ethiopian, Soviet, in 1977 and 1978 the government tortured or killed hundreds of thousands of suspected enemies in the Red Terror. After a famine in 1984 killing 1 million people, the Derg fell in 1991, Ethiopia remains impoverished, but its economy has become one of the worlds fastest growing. It was not until 1963 that evidence of the presence of ancient hominids was discovered in Ethiopia, many years after similar such discoveries had been made in neighbouring Kenya and Tanzania. The discovery was made by Gerrard Dekker, a Dutch hydrologist, since then many important finds have propelled Ethiopia to the forefront of palaentology. The oldest hominid discovered to date in Ethiopia is the 4.2 million year old Ardipithicus ramidus found by Tim D. White in 1994, lucys taxonomic name, Australopithecus afarensis, means southern ape of Afar, and refers to the Ethiopian region where the discovery was made. Lucy is estimated to have lived 3.2 million years ago, there have been many other notable fossil findings in the country. Near Gona stone tools were uncovered in 1992 that were 2.52 million years old, in 2010 fossilised animal bones, that were 3
History of Ethiopia
–
Wall relief depicting an Egyptian expedition to the
Land of Punt during the reign of
Hatshepsut.
History of Ethiopia
–
Temple at
Yeha, possible capital of
D'mt.
History of Ethiopia
–
King Ezana's Stele in Axum.
19.
Princess Ijigayehu Amha Selassie
–
Princess Ijigayehu Amha Selassie was the eldest child of Crown Prince Asfaw Wossen of Ethiopia by his first wife, Princess Wolete Israel Seyoum and was the granddaughter to Emperor Haile Selassie. Through her mothers family she was a granddaughter of Emperor Yohannes IV. Dejazmach Fikre Selassie and Princess Ijigayehu were the parents of six children, Princess Ijigayehu notably accompanied her grandfather Emperor Haile Selassie on his state visit to Italy and also on his state visits to South Korea, Australia, and Malaysia. Princess Ijigayehu was imprisoned with the rest of the Imperial family on September 11,1974 and she died in early 1977 after medical neglect while still in prison. She was buried at the Ketchene Medhan Alem Church in Addis Ababa by her children and her mother who were under surveillance, early the following year, all her children, along with other children of the Imperial family, escaped from Ethiopia. Her husband remained imprisoned for 8 years and died in August 1996
Princess Ijigayehu Amha Selassie
20.
Princess Sifrash Bizu
–
Princess Sifrash Bizu is a daughter of Emperor-in-exile Amha Selassie of Ethiopia by Empress Medferiashwork Abebe, his second wife. She is a granddaughter of Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, princess Sifrash Bizu married Ato Fasil Araya, Secretary General of the Awasa Chamber of Commerce. They had two daughters, Immabet Aida Fasil, president of the Haile Selassie Foundation. Emperor Haile Selassie I Jubilee Medal
Princess Sifrash Bizu
21.
Sara Gizaw
–
Princess Sara Gizaw, Dowager Duchess of Harar is the widow of Prince Makonnen, Duke of Harar and second son of Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia. Her father was Gizaw Abera, a former Nibure Id of Axum and she was educated at the Royal Infirmary Nursing School of Edinburgh. She is the mother of five sons, Paul Wossen Seged Makonnen, Mikael Makonnen, Tefferi Makonnen, Beede Mariam Makonnen, in her day, Princess Sara was renowned as one of the most beautiful women at the Court of the Emperor of Ethiopia. She was widowed in 1957 when her husband, the Duke of Harar, was killed in a car accident and she often accompanied the Emperor on foreign visits, and acted as one of his official hostesses along with Princess Tenagnework after the death of Empress Menen. Princess Sara was imprisoned with the women of the Imperial Family of Ethiopia in 1974. She currently resides in Addis Ababa and her Imperial Highness The Duchess of Harar. Her Imperial Highness The Dowager Duchess of Harar, Dame Grand Cordon of the Order of the Queen of Sheba. Sweden, Member of the Royal Order of the Seraphim, Germany, Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. Greece, Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Beneficence, Austria, Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold with Sash for Services to the Republic of Austria
Sara Gizaw
22.
Prince Sahle Selassie
–
Prince Sahle Selassie was the youngest child of Emperor Haile Selassie and Empress Menen Asfaw of Ethiopia. His full title was His Imperial Highness, Prince Sahle Selassie Haile Selassie, born after his parents had been crowned Emperor and Empress of Ethiopia, he was the only one of the Emperors children to have been born with the title of Prince. They had a son, Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie, who currently is the President of the Crown Council of Ethiopia. It was believed that the movie indirectly questioned the fast pace of development, and the strains it caused on rural society, Prince Sahle Selassie died in 1962, months after the death of his mother Empress Menen Asfaw. He was survived by his wife and his son Prince Ermias, Grand Cordon of the Order of the Seal of Solomon. Knight of the Royal Order of the Seraphim, knight Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum. Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the House of Orange, knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. Sash of the Order of the Aztec Eagle, Order of the Yugoslav Star, 1st class. Knight Grand Cordon of the Order of the Pioneers of Liberia
Prince Sahle Selassie
–
Prince Sahle Selassie
Prince Sahle Selassie
23.
Mahisente Habte Mariam
–
Princess Mahisente Habte Mariam is the widow of Prince Sahle Selassie, youngest son of Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia. She is the daughter of Dejazmach Habte Mariam Gebre-Igziabiher, heir to the former Welega Kingdom of Leqa Naqamte, and later served as governor of Welega province. Her mother was Woizero Yeshimebet Guma, a prominent Welega Oromo noblewoman who was married to Ras Mesfin Selashi. Princess Mahisente is also the mother of Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie, princess Mahisente worked for many years with the United Nations Childrens Fund before her retirement. The princess currently lives in the suburbs of Washington D. C, grand Cordon of the Order of the Queen of Sheba. Member of the Royal Order of the Seraphim
Mahisente Habte Mariam
24.
Ermias Sahle Selassie
–
Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie is the only son of Prince Sahle Selassie of Ethiopia and Princess Mahisente Habte Mariam. Currently the prince is ninth in the line of succession to the vacant imperial throne, Prince Ermias was educated in Ethiopia, Great Britain, and the United States. In England, he received his education at Old Ride Preparatory School and he obtained a BA degree in the social studies, with an emphasis in economics, from the University of California, in Santa Barbara. He continued his education at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy between 1983 and 1985, Prince Ermias is fluent in Amharic, English and German. Prince Ermias and his first wife divorced in July 2004. On 25 February 2011, Prince Ermias married Woizero Saba Kebede, the Prince and his wife live in the Metro Washington DC area. Prince Ermias currently serves as the President of the Crown Council of Ethiopia in exile, the Crown Council has pursued a mission devoted to the promoting a cultural and humanitarian role. Prince Ermias is also patron of the Haile Selassie Fund for Children in Need which continues to sponsor student scholarships, and the St. George of Lalibela Foundation. C. This briefing was conducted by Representative Diane Watson, who was a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, founder of the Imperial Society of Saint George of Lalibela, Washington DC,1998. Board Member of Tuition Credit Exchange Inc. Chairman Advisory Board of Bezant Corporation, patron of the Haile Selassie Foundation for Ethiopia’s Children Inc. Patron for Africa for the Flying Hospital Charity, director of the La Roche College. Member of the Board of the United States National Slavery Museum, honorary Member Advisory Committee of the Angel Foundation. Member of the Luso-Ethiopian Friendship Association, knight Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Francis I of the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies. Knight Grand Collar of the Royal Order of the Drum, line of succession to the Ethiopian Throne Biography at Ethiopian Crown Council website
Ermias Sahle Selassie
–
Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie in 2012.
25.
Princess Tenagnework
–
Princess Tenagnework Haile Selassie baptismal name Fikirte Mariam of Ethiopia was the eldest child of Emperor Haile Selassie and Empress Menen Asfaw. Born in the city of Harar, Princess Tenagnework received her title upon her fathers succession to the throne in November 1930. Princess Tenagnework was first married to Ras Desta Damtew, a member of the prominent aristocratic Addisge clan. Ras Desta and Princess Tenagnework were the parents of two sons, Princes Amha and Iskinder Desta, and four daughters, Princesses Aida Desta, Seble Desta, Sophia Desta, Ras Desta Damtew was appointed Governor-General, first of Kaffa and Limu, and then of Sidamo. In 1935, following the invasion of Ethiopia by Italy, the family was forced to flee into exile at Fairfield House. However, Ras Desta remained behind to command the forces fighting in the south of the country. Ras Desta was captured and summarily executed by the fascist forces, in 1941, with British assistance, Emperor Haile Selassie was restored to his throne, and Princess Tenagnework and her children returned to Ethiopia. Unfortunately, her son, Amha Desta, died shortly before the return. Princess Tenagnework would eventually marry Betwoded Andargachew Messai, who had served as Afe-Mesfin. They were married at the Miskea Hazunan Medhane Alem Church in September 1944, bitwoded Andargachew was then appointed Governor-General of Begemder and Semien Provinces, and the couple were based in Gondar. The couple then served as the Vice-Roy and Vice-Rein of Eritrea, bitwoded Andargachew served in many other governmental posts. He was elevated to the title of Ras, served as Minister of the Interior, and was made an Imperial Senator, Princess Tenagnework and Ras Andargatchew Messai were the parents of a daughter, Mentewab Andargachew, who died in childhood. The princess was often described as the child most like her father in temperament, a strong personality credited with mostly conservative views, she was widely regarded as a guardian of the institution of the monarchy. She was perceived as a leader of the traditionalist element within the nobility, Princess Tenagnework and the rest of the imperial family were arrested on 11 September 1974, the day before Emperor Haile Selassie was formally deposed by the Derg. On 24 November 1974, the Dergue executed sixty-one former officials of the government without trial. Among the many relatives, friends and associates of the Princess to die at this time, was her remaining son, the Princess was allowed a final visit with her father only a few days before his death in August 1975. That same year her daughter Tsige Mariam Abebe Retta died by committing suicide and her husband, Ras Andargachew Messai, who had been outside Ethiopia when the monarchy fell, died after a long illness in London a few years later. After an imprisonment of fifteen years, the women of the family were freed in 1989
Princess Tenagnework
–
Empress
Menen Asfaw seated in the centre and Standing women from left to right are
Princess Tsehai, Princess Tenagnework, and
Princess Zenebework, her daughters, and on the far right is Princess
Wolete Israel Seyoum, her daughter-in-law.
26.
Hirut Desta
–
Princess Hirut Desta was the daughter of Ras Desta Damtew and Princess Tenagnework Haile Selassie, and granddaughter of Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia. She was the widow of General Nega Tegegn, who was governor of the provinces of Begemder and Semien. She was described by Nathaniel T. Kenney as a trim, most democratic of princesses, who was not above grabbing a tool from a workman, I suspect, and showing him how to use it. Princess Hirut was educated at the School of St Clare, Penzance, Cornwall and she was imprisoned by the Dergue from 1974 until 1988. Princess Hirut Desta died in London aged 84 in 2014, president of the Committee for the Restoration of the Churches of Lalibela. Dame Grand Cordon of the Order of the Queen of Sheba
Hirut Desta
27.
Seble Desta
–
Princess Seble Desta is the daughter of Ras Desta Damtew and Princess Tenagnework, and granddaughter of Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia. She is the widow of Dejazmach Kassa Wolde Mariam, heir to the former Welega kingdom of Leqa Qallam. They married at Addis Ababa, Princess Seble and Dejazmach Kassa were the parents of five children, Lij Amha Kassa. She was in boarding school in England at the time of the coup and she was in boarding school in England at the time of the coup. Princess Seble was imprisoned by the Dergue from 1974 until 1988, Dame Grand Cordon of the Order of the Queen of Sheba. Honorary Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order
Seble Desta
28.
Yohannes IV of Ethiopia
–
Yohannes IV, born Lij Kassay Mercha and also known in English as King John, was Emperor of Ethiopia from 1871 until his death in 1889. Yohannes IV was born at Mai-biha, a village then within the jurisdiction of Enderta province. He was the son of Mercha, Shum of Tembien, and his wife Woizero Silass Dimtsu, Yohannes could also claim Solomonic descent more distantly through his fathers Tembien family, also through a female link to the dynasty. In 1868, at the time of Emperor Tewodros IIs suicide in response to the British rescue mission under Sir Robert Napier, with Tewodross death, he became one of the three most powerful princes in Ethiopia along with Wagshum Gobeze of Lasta and Wag and King Menelek of Shewa. Kassai was in fact Wagshum Gobezes prodigy and ally, Wagshum had married his sister Dinqinesh Mercha and was instrumental in helping Kassai rise to power in Tigray. The British expedition had left Yohannes a great deal of ordnance, however, at first Tekle Giyorgis attempted to mollify him by naming him Re-ese Mekwanint, Kassai promptly began using the title but continued to dispute Tekle Giyorgiss right to supremacy or homage. In fact, Kassai took the initiative, he had gathered the funds to pay Pope Cyril for the ordination, Abuna Atnatewos arrived by June 1869, but took Kassais side in the dispute. After consolidating support with Adal of Gojjam and Menelik of Shewa through marriage and pacifying Wollo through force, Dejazmach Kassai met the Emperor near Adwa on 11 July 1871, capturing and deposing him. The emperor died in captivity the next year, following Tekle Giyorgis death, his widow settled in Mekelle at Yohanness court, continuing to be accorded the title and dignity of an Empress throughout his reign. Atnatewos crowned Kassai emperor at Axum, the exact date of his crowning is not very clear and there are three different dates given by scholars,12 January 28 January, and 12 February 1872. In addition, in one of the Emperors letters to the Queen of England and he took the name and title of Emperor, becoming the first emperor crowned in Axum since Fasilides in 1632. Adal of Gojjam soon after submitted to Yohannes and recognized him as Emperor, Adal was rewarded with the titles of Ras and of King of Gojjam. Adal was also given the new name of Tekle Haymanot Tessemma, throughout his reign, Yohannes was embroiled in military struggles on his northern frontiers. First was from Khedive Ismail Pasha of Egypt, who sought to bring the entire Nile River basin under his rule. The Egyptians flirted with encouraging Menelik of Shewa against the Emperor, both Menelik and Yohannes had regarded Harar as a renegade province of Ethiopia, and Egyptian seizure of the Emirate was not welcome to either of them. The Egyptians then marched into northern Ethiopia from their possessions around the port of Massawa. However, Yohannes soon realized that the Europeans would not stop the Khedive of Egypt and so he gathered up his armies, the two armies met at Gundat on the morning of 16 November 1875. The Egyptians were tricked into marching into a narrow and steep valley and were wiped out by Ethiopian gunners surrounding the valley from the surrounding mountains, virtually the entire Egyptian force, along with its many officers of European and North American background, were killed
Yohannes IV of Ethiopia
–
Emperor Yohannes IV with his son and heir, Ras Araya Selassie Yohannes
Yohannes IV of Ethiopia
–
Ethiopian portrait of Emperor Yohannes IV
29.
Mengesha Seyoum
–
Leul Ras Mengesha Seyoum GCVO is a member of the imperial family of the Ethiopian Empire. In 1974, the monarchy was abolished by the Derg, a communist military junta, Leul Dejazmach Mangasha Seyum was born in 1927 in Dengolat, a village in Enderta district, part of Tigray province of Ethiopia. He is the son of Ras Seyum Mangasha, the grandson of Ras Mangasha Yohannes, Yohannes IV was the only Emperor of the Tigrayan cadet branch of the Solomonic dynasty. Emperor Menelik II of Shoa came to power after the Battle of Metemma when Yohannes IV was killed, Mangasha Seyum is the heir to the Tigrean royal line and a rival to the Shoan emperor. Ras Mangasha Seyums grandfather, Mangasha Yohannes was raised as the nephew of Yohannes IV, however Yohannes IV announced on his deathbed that Mangasha was his natural son and designated heir. There was a rivalry between the descendants of Ras Araya Selassie and Ras Mangasha Yohannes over the rule of Tigray. With the title of Leul Dejazmach Mengesha Seyoum was Governor of Arusi from 1952 to 1955 and he was Governor of Sidamo from 1955 to 1958. In January 1949, Mangasha Seyum married one of Haile Selassie Is granddaughters and they are the parents of five sons Lij Michael Sehul, Lij Yohannes, Lij Stephanos, Lij Jalye, Lij Seyoum and a daughter Immabet Menen. Mengesha Seyum was also the father of the late Immabet Rebka from his first marriage to Abonesh Demisse cousin of Princess Atsede Asfaw who was also Mengesha Seyums stepmother. After his father was murdered during the unsuccessful 1960 coup against Emperor Haile Selassie, Mengesha Seyoum was elevated to the title of Leul Ras and became Prince and he governed from his capital in Mekele and held this position until 1974 when the monarchy was abolished. On 1 February 1965, he was awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. In October 1974, after the monarchy was toppled, representatives of the Derg ordered Seyum Mangasha to the capital to face charges of corruption, there Mengesha Seyoum helped to found a group that eventually became the Ethiopian Democratic Union. His wife, Princess Aida Desta, and his daughter were arrested by the Derg in 1974, although his daughter would eventually escape abroad, his wife remained in prison for 14 years. The EDU was a conservative and pro-monarchy and is the oldest of the Ethiopian political parties, in 2000, the EDU reorganized in Addis Ababa as a legal opposition party after the Tigrayan Peoples Liberation Front led the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front to power. Leul Ras Mengesha has retreated from all involvement in the affairs of this party. Leul Ras Mengesha Seyoum lives partly in Addis Ababa, and partly in the Washington D. C. area of the USA and his wife of more than 60 years, Princess Aida died on January 15,2013 in Alexandria Virginia. He maintains a relationship with his, children, nine grandchildren. He is regarded as the senior surviving nobleman of the Ethiopian Empire, Leul Ras Mengesha was prominent at the funerals of Emperor in Exile Amha Selassie, the reburial of Emperor Haile Selassie, Princess Tenagnework and Empress Medferiashwork
Mengesha Seyoum
–
A photograph of Seyum Mangasha, second from left, taken on 18 April 1959 in
Bonn,
Germany
Mengesha Seyoum
–
Le'ul Ras Mengesha Seyoum
GCVO
30.
Stefanos Mengesha Seyoum
–
Born on 24 October 1952 at the Haile Selassie I Hospital is a member of the Royal Family of Ethiopia. He serves as the Imperial Chancellor of Imperial Ethiopian Order of Saint Mary of Zion and he is the son of Ras Mengesha Seyoum and Princess Aida Desta. Through his father he is a grandson of Emperor Yohannes IV. He was awarded the Grand Cross of the Royal Confraternity of San Teotonio and he was educated at the University of Toronto, Canada. He is an International Business Consultant and Director of the Canadian Royal Heritage Trust, deputy Grand Master of the Ethiopian Order of Baronets. Chancellor of the Imperial Ethiopian Order of Saint Mary of Zion, Chancellor of the Imperial Solomonic Order of Merit. Patron of the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem, knight Grand Cross of the Royal Confraternity of Sao Teotonio. Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Order of the Intare, line of succession to the former Ethiopian throne Seyum Mangasha
Stefanos Mengesha Seyoum
31.
Dynasty
–
A dynasty is a sequence of rulers from the same family, usually in the context of a feudal or monarchical system but sometimes also appearing in elective republics. The dynastic family or lineage may be known as a house, historians periodize the histories of many sovereign states, such as Ancient Egypt, the Carolingian Empire and Imperial China, using a framework of successive dynasties. As such, the dynasty may be used to delimit the era during which the family reigned and to describe events, trends. The word dynasty itself is often dropped from such adjectival references, until the 19th century, it was taken for granted that a legitimate function of a monarch was to aggrandize his dynasty, that is, to increase the territory, wealth, and power of his family members. The longest-surviving dynasty in the world is the Imperial House of Japan, dynasties throughout the world have traditionally been reckoned patrilineally, such as under the Frankish Salic law. Succession through a daughter when permitted was considered to establish a new dynasty in her husbands ruling house, however, some states in Africa, determined descent matrilineally, while rulers have at other times adopted the name of their mothers dynasty when coming into her inheritance. It is also extended to unrelated people such as poets of the same school or various rosters of a single sports team. The word dynasty derives via Latin dynastia from Greek dynastéia, where it referred to power, dominion and it was the abstract noun of dynástēs, the agent noun of dynamis, power or ability, from dýnamai, to be able. A ruler in a dynasty is referred to as a dynast. For example, following his abdication, Edward VIII of the United Kingdom ceased to be a member of the House of Windsor. A dynastic marriage is one that complies with monarchical house law restrictions, the marriage of Willem-Alexander, Prince of Orange, to Máxima Zorreguieta in 2002 was dynastic, for example, and their eldest child is expected to inherit the Dutch crown eventually. But the marriage of his younger brother Prince Friso to Mabel Wisse Smit in 2003 lacked government support, thus Friso forfeited his place in the order of succession, lost his title as a Prince of the Netherlands, and left his children without dynastic rights. In historical and monarchist references to formerly reigning families, a dynast is a member who would have had succession rights, were the monarchys rules still in force. Even since abolition of the Austrian monarchy, Max and his descendants have not been considered the rightful pretenders by Austrian monarchists, nor have they claimed that position. The term dynast is sometimes used only to refer to descendants of a realms monarchs. The term can therefore describe overlapping but distinct sets of people, yet he is not a male-line member of the royal family, and is therefore not a dynast of the House of Windsor. Thus, in 1999 he requested and obtained permission from Elizabeth II to marry the Roman Catholic Princess Caroline of Monaco. Yet a clause of the English Act of Settlement 1701 remained in effect at that time and that exclusion, too, ceased to apply on 26 March 2015, with retroactive effect for those who had been dynasts prior to triggering it by marriage to a Catholic
Dynasty
–
Charles I of England and his son, the future
James II
32.
Judaism
–
Judaism encompasses the religion, philosophy, culture and way of life of the Jewish people. Judaism is an ancient monotheistic Abrahamic religion, with the Torah as its text, and supplemental oral tradition represented by later texts such as the Midrash. Judaism is considered by religious Jews to be the expression of the relationship that God established with the Children of Israel. With between 14.5 and 17.4 million adherents worldwide, Judaism is the tenth-largest religion in the world, Judaism includes a wide corpus of texts, practices, theological positions, and forms of organization. Modern branches of Judaism such as Humanistic Judaism may be nontheistic, today, the largest Jewish religious movements are Orthodox Judaism, Conservative Judaism and Reform Judaism. Major sources of difference between groups are their approaches to Jewish law, the authority of the Rabbinic tradition. Orthodox Judaism maintains that the Torah and Jewish law are divine in origin, eternal and unalterable, Conservative and Reform Judaism are more liberal, with Conservative Judaism generally promoting a more traditional interpretation of Judaisms requirements than Reform Judaism. A typical Reform position is that Jewish law should be viewed as a set of guidelines rather than as a set of restrictions and obligations whose observance is required of all Jews. Historically, special courts enforced Jewish law, today, these still exist. Authority on theological and legal matters is not vested in any one person or organization, the history of Judaism spans more than 3,000 years. Judaism has its roots as a religion in the Middle East during the Bronze Age. Judaism is considered one of the oldest monotheistic religions, the Hebrews and Israelites were already referred to as Jews in later books of the Tanakh such as the Book of Esther, with the term Jews replacing the title Children of Israel. Judaisms texts, traditions and values strongly influenced later Abrahamic religions, including Christianity, Islam, many aspects of Judaism have also directly or indirectly influenced secular Western ethics and civil law. Jews are a group and include those born Jewish and converts to Judaism. In 2015, the world Jewish population was estimated at about 14.3 million, Judaism thus begins with ethical monotheism, the belief that God is one and is concerned with the actions of humankind. According to the Tanakh, God promised Abraham to make of his offspring a great nation, many generations later, he commanded the nation of Israel to love and worship only one God, that is, the Jewish nation is to reciprocate Gods concern for the world. He also commanded the Jewish people to one another, that is. These commandments are but two of a corpus of commandments and laws that constitute this covenant, which is the substance of Judaism
Judaism
–
Judaica (clockwise from top):
Shabbat candlesticks,
handwashing cup,
Chumash and
Tanakh,
Torah pointer,
shofar and
etrog box
Judaism
–
Silver case containing a handwritten
Torah (
Museum of Jewish Art and History, Paris)
Judaism
–
Glass platter inscribed with the Hebrew word zokhreinu – remember us
Judaism
–
A 19th-century silver
Macedonian Hanukkah menorah
33.
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
–
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is the largest of the Oriental Orthodox Christian Churches. Ethiopia is the country only after Armenia to have officially proclaimed Christianity as state religion though some argue it may even be the first. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is a member of the World Council of Churches. Tewahedo is a Geez word meaning being made one and this word refers to the Oriental Orthodox belief in the one perfectly unified Nature of Christ, i. e. The Oriental Orthodox Churches adhere to a Miaphysitic Christological view followed by Cyril of Alexandria, according to these, both natures in Christ are perfectly preserved after the union in mia physis - One Nature, yet, not resulting in a distinct third Nature. Many traditions claim that Christian teachings were introduced to the immediately after Pentecost. John Chrysostom speaks of the Ethiopians present in Jerusalem as being able to understand the preaching of Saint Peter in Acts,2,38, possible missions of some of the Apostles in the lands now called Ethiopia is also reported as early as the 4th century. Ethiopian Church tradition tells that Bartholomew accompanied Matthew in a mission which lasted for at least 3 months, paintings depicting these missions are available in the Church of St. Matthew found in the Province of Pisa, in northern Italy portrayed by Francesco Trevisan and Marco Benefial. The earliest account of an Ethiopian converted to the faith in the New Testament books is a royal official baptized by Philip the Evangelist, then the angel of the Lord said to Philip, Start out and go south to the road that leads down from Jerusalem to Gaza. So he set out and was on his way when he caught sight of an Ethiopian and this man was a eunuch, a high official of the Kandake Queen of Ethiopia in charge of all her treasure. The passage continues by describing how Philip helped the Ethiopian treasurer understand a passage from Isaiah that the Ethiopian was reading, after Philip interpreted the passage as prophecy referring to Jesus Christ, the Ethiopian requested that Philip baptize him, and Philip did so. The Ethiopic version of this verse reads Hendeke, Queen Gersamot Hendeke VII was the Queen of Ethiopia from c.42 to 52, the same kind of witness is shared by 3rd and 4th century writers such as Eusebius of Caesarea and Origen of Alexandria. As a youth, Frumentius had been shipwrecked with his brother Aedesius on the Eritrean coast, the brothers managed to be brought to the royal court, where they rose to positions of influence and baptized Emperor Ezana. Ezana sent Frumentius to Alexandria to ask the Patriarch, St. Athanasius, Athanasius appointed Frumentius, who returned to Ethiopia as Bishop with the name of Abune Selama. From then on, until 1959, the Pope of Alexandria, as Patriarch of All Africa, union with the Coptic Orthodox Church continued after the Arab conquest of Egypt. Abu Saleh records in the 12th century that the patriarch sent letters twice a year to the kings of Abyssinia and Nubia. Cyril, 67th patriarch, sent Severus as bishop, with orders to put down polygamy and these examples show the close relations of the two churches throughout the Middle Ages. In 1439, in the reign of Zara Yaqob, a discussion between Abba Giyorgis and a French visitor led to the dispatch of an embassy from Ethiopia to the Vatican
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
–
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church የኢትዮጵያ ኦርቶዶክስ ተዋሕዶ ቤተ ክርስቲያን
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
–
Holy Trinity Cathedral, Addis Ababa
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
–
This Ethiopian
icon shows
St. George, the
Crucifixion, and the
Virgin Mary.
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
–
An Ethiopian Orthodox choir sings in front of an
iconostasis.
34.
Christianity
–
Christianity is a Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who serves as the focal point for the religion. It is the worlds largest religion, with over 2.4 billion followers, or 33% of the global population, Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God and the savior of humanity whose coming as the Messiah was prophesied in the Old Testament. Christian theology is summarized in creeds such as the Apostles Creed and his incarnation, earthly ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection are often referred to as the gospel, meaning good news. The term gospel also refers to accounts of Jesuss life and teaching, four of which—Matthew, Mark, Luke. Christianity is an Abrahamic religion that began as a Second Temple Judaic sect in the mid-1st century, following the Age of Discovery, Christianity spread to the Americas, Australasia, sub-Saharan Africa, and the rest of the world through missionary work and colonization. Christianity has played a prominent role in the shaping of Western civilization, throughout its history, Christianity has weathered schisms and theological disputes that have resulted in many distinct churches and denominations. Worldwide, the three largest branches of Christianity are the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the denominations of Protestantism. There are many important differences of interpretation and opinion of the Bible, concise doctrinal statements or confessions of religious beliefs are known as creeds. They began as baptismal formulae and were expanded during the Christological controversies of the 4th and 5th centuries to become statements of faith. Many evangelical Protestants reject creeds as definitive statements of faith, even agreeing with some or all of the substance of the creeds. The Baptists have been non-creedal in that they have not sought to establish binding authoritative confessions of faith on one another. Also rejecting creeds are groups with roots in the Restoration Movement, such as the Christian Church, the Evangelical Christian Church in Canada, the Apostles Creed is the most widely accepted statement of the articles of Christian faith. It is also used by Presbyterians, Methodists, and Congregationalists and this particular creed was developed between the 2nd and 9th centuries. Its central doctrines are those of the Trinity and God the Creator, each of the doctrines found in this creed can be traced to statements current in the apostolic period. The creed was used as a summary of Christian doctrine for baptismal candidates in the churches of Rome. Most Christians accept the use of creeds, and subscribe to at least one of the mentioned above. The central tenet of Christianity is the belief in Jesus as the Son of God, Christians believe that Jesus, as the Messiah, was anointed by God as savior of humanity, and hold that Jesus coming was the fulfillment of messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. The Christian concept of the Messiah differs significantly from the contemporary Jewish concept, Jesus, having become fully human, suffered the pains and temptations of a mortal man, but did not sin
Christianity
–
An
Eastern Christian icon depicting
Emperor Constantine and the Fathers of the
First Council of Nicaea (325) as holding the Niceno–Constantinopolitan Creed of 381
Christianity
–
Various
depictions of Jesus
Christianity
–
Crucifixion, representing the death of
Jesus on the
Cross, painting by
Diego Velázquez, 17th century
35.
Gudit
–
Her deeds are recorded in the oral tradition and mentioned incidentally in various historical accounts. Information about Gudit is contradictory and incomplete, henze wrote, She is said to have killed the emperor, ascended the throne herself, and reigned for 40 years. Accounts of her violent misdeeds are still related among peasants in the north Ethiopian countryside, henze continues in a footnote, On my first visit to the rock church of Abreha and Atsbeha in eastern Tigray in 1970, I noticed that its intricately carved ceiling was blackened by soot. The priest explained it as the work of Gudit, who had piled the church full of hay, Gudit is known as ´Esato in Amharic, which means fire. Gudit is so related to the destruction of the Axumite Empire and this would agree with the numerous references to matriarchs ruling the Sidamo polities. If she was not of Hebrew, Israelite or Jewish origin, she might have been a convert to Judaism by her husband, known as Zenobis, local traditions around Adi Kaweh where she allegedly died and was buried indicate her faith was pagan-Hebraic, rather than Israelite or Jewish. It was during the office of Patriarch Philotheos of Alexandria when Gudit started her revolt, as Taddesse Tamrat explains, at the time his own death in the conflict, and the military reverses of the kingdom were taken as divine retribution for the sufferings of Abuna Petros. This chronological synchronicity with the tenure of Patriarch Philotheos, and the intervention of king Georgios II of Makuria, until today she rules with complete independence in her own country and the frontier areas of the country of the Haḍani, in the southern part of the habashi. Another historian mentions that the king of Yemen sent a zebra to the ruler of Iraq in 969/970 and she appears in the expansion The African Kingdoms for the HD Edition of the game Age of Empires II, available exclusively on Steam. 31–63 Dictionary of Ethiopian Biography article on Gudit
Gudit
–
Gudit stela field, Axoum, Ethiopia
Gudit
–
Abreha and Atsbeha Church
36.
Ethiopian calendar
–
A seven- to eight-year gap between the Ethiopian and Gregorian calendars results from an alternate calculation in determining the date of the Annunciation. Like the Coptic calendar, the Ethiopic calendar has twelve months of 30 days plus five or six epagomenal days, the Ethiopian months begin on the same days as those of the Coptic calendar, but their names are in Geez. The sixth epagomenal day is added every four years without exception on August 29 of the Julian calendar, thus the first day of the Ethiopian year,1 Mäskäräm, for years between 1900 and 2099, is usually September 11. It, however, falls on September 12 in years before the Gregorian leap year, in the Gregorian year 2015, the Ethiopian calendar year 2008 begins on September 12, rather than September 11, on account of this additional epagomenal day occurring every four years. It occurs on September 11 in the Gregorian calendar, except for the following a leap year. The Ethiopian calendar year 1998 Amätä Məhrät began on September 11,2005, however, the Ethiopian years 1996 and 1992 began on September 12,2003 and 1999, respectively. This date correspondence applies for the Gregorian years 1900 to 2099, as the Gregorian year 2000 is a leap year, the current correspondence lasts two centuries instead. 400, thus its first civil year began seven months earlier on August 29, meanwhile, Europeans eventually adopted the calculations made by Dionysius Exiguus in AD525 instead, which placed the Annunciation eight years earlier than had Annianus. This causes the Ethiopian year number to be eight years less than the Gregorian year number from January 1 until September 10 or 11, in the past, a number of other eras for numbering years were also widely used in Ethiopia and the Kingdom of Aksum. Respective to the Gregorian and Julian New Years Days,3 1/2 to four months later and it is also because 532 is the product of the Metonic cycle of 19 years and the solar cycle of 28 years. Around AD400, an Alexandrine monk called Panodoros fixed the Alexandrian Era, after the 6th century AD, the era was used by Egyptian and Ethiopian chronologists. The twelfth 532-year-cycle of this era began on 29 August AD360, bishop Anianos preferred the Annunciation style as New Years Day,25 March. Thus he shifted the Panodoros era by about six months, to begin on 25 March 5492 BC, in the Ethiopian calendar this was equivalent to 15 Magabit 5501 B. C. The Anno Mundi era remained in usage until the late 19th century, the four-year leap-year cycle is associated with the four Evangelists, the first year after an Ethiopian leap year is named in honour of John, followed by the Matthew-year and then the Mark-year. The year with the sixth day is traditionally designated as the Luke-year. There are no exceptions to the four-year leap-year cycle, like the Julian calendar and these dates are valid only from March 1900 to February 2100. This is because 1900 and 2100 are not leap years in the Gregorian calendar, while they are leap years in the Ethiopian calendar, meaning dates before 1900. The Ethiopian Calendar, Appendix IV, C. F, huntingford, The Prester John of the Indies
Ethiopian calendar
–
A building in downtown Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, sports bunting in the Ethiopian national colors of green, yellow and red to mark the Ethiopian Millennium on September 11, 2007.
37.
Axum
–
Axum or Aksum is a city in the northern part of Ethiopia. The town has a population of 56,500 residents, and is governed as an urban wäräda, the original capital of the Kingdom of Aksum, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in Africa. Axum was a naval and trading power that ruled the region from about 400 BCE into the 10th century, in 1980 UNESCO added Aksums archaeological sites to its list of World Heritage Sites due to their historic value. Located in the Mehakelegnaw Zone of the Tigray Region near the base of the Adwa mountains, Axum is surrounded by Lailay Maychew wäräda. Axum was the center of the trading power known as the Aksumite Kingdom. Around 356 CE, its ruler was converted to Christianity by Frumentius, later, under the reign of Kaleb, Axum was a quasi-ally of Byzantium against the Sasanian Persian Empire which had adopted Zoroastrianism. The historical record is unclear, with ancient church records the primary contemporary sources and it is believed it began a long slow decline after the 7th century due partly to the Persians and finally the Arabs contesting old Red sea trade routes. Eventually Aksum was cut off from its principal markets in Alexandria, Byzantium and Southern Europe, the Kingdom of Aksum was finally destroyed by Gudit, and eventually some of the people of Aksum were forced south and their civilization declined. As the kingdoms power declined so did the influence of the city, the last known king to reign was crowned in about the 10th century, but the kingdoms influence and power ended long before that. Its decline in population and trade contributed to the shift of the power center of the Ethiopian Empire south to the Agaw region as it moved further inland. The city of Axum was the seat of an empire spanning 1 million square miles. Eventually, the name was adopted by the central region, and subsequently. The Kingdom of Axum had its own language, Geez, and developed a distinctive architecture exemplified by giant obelisks. The kingdom was at its height under King Ezana, baptized as Abreha, the historical records and Ethiopian traditions suggest that it was from Axum that Makeda, the Queen of Sheba, journeyed to visit King Solomon in Jerusalem. She had a son, Menelik, fathered by Solomon and he grew up in Ethiopia but traveled to Jerusalem as a young man to visit his fathers homeland. He lived several years in Jerusalem before returning to his country with the Ark of the Covenant, according to the Ethiopian Church and Ethiopian tradition, the Ark still exists in Axum. This same church was the site where Ethiopian emperors were crowned for centuries until the reign of Fasilides, Axum is considered to be the holiest city in Ethiopia and is an important destination of pilgrimages. Significant religious festivals are the Timkat festival on 19 January and the Festival of Maryam Zion on November 24
Axum
–
Street in Axum
Axum
–
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Axum
–
The
Kingdom of Aksum and other polities in 565
Axum
–
Dome and Belltower of the
Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion
38.
Menelik II of Ethiopia
–
Emperor Menelik II GCB, GCMG, baptized as Sahle Maryam, was Negus of Shewa, then Emperor of Ethiopia from 1889 to his death. Ethiopia was transformed under Emperor Menelik, the major signposts of modernization were put in place, Menelik expanded his kingdom to the south and east, expanding into Kaffa, Sidama, Wolayta and other kingdoms. He is widely called Emiye Menelik in Ethiopia for his forgiving nature, Abeto Menelik was born in Angolalla, near Debre Birhan, in the Amhara Region. He was the son of Negus Haile Melekot of Shewa and Woizero Ijigayehu, Woizero Ijigayehu was a lady in the household of Haile Melekots grandmother, the formidable Woizero Zenebework, widow of Merid Azmatch Wossen Seged, and mother of King Sahle Selassie of Showa. Most sources indicate that no marriage took place between Haile Melekot and Woizero Ijigayehu, Sahle Selassie ordered his grandson legitimized. Menelik II had been born at Angolala in the Amhara region, prior to his death in 1855, Negus Haile Melekot named Menelik as successor to the throne of Shewa. Shortly after Haile Melekot died, Menelik was taken prisoner by Emperor Tewodros II, following Emperor Tewodros IIs conquest of Shewa, he had young Sahle Maryam transferred to his mountain stronghold of Magdala. Still, Tewodros treated the young prince well and he even offered him the hand of his daughter Altash Tewodros in marriage, which Menelik accepted. Upon Meneliks imprisonment, his uncle, Haile Mikael, was appointed as Shum of Shewa by Emperor Tewodros II with the title of Meridazmach, however, Meridazmach Haile Mikael rebelled against Tewodros, resulting in his being replaced by the non-royal Ato Bezabeh as Shum. However, Ato Bezabeh in turn then rebelled against the Emperor, although the Shewan royals imprisoned at Magdala had been largely complacent as long as a member of their family ruled over Shewa, this usurpation by a commoner was not palatable to them. Enraged, Emperor Tewodros slaughtered 29 Oromo hostages then had 12 Amhara notables beaten to death with bamboo rods, Abeto Menelik entered Ankober and proclaimed himself Negus. While Negus Menelik reclaimed his ancestral Shewan crown, he laid claim to the Imperial throne. Not wishing to take part in the 1868 Expedition to Abyssinia, he allowed his rival Kassai to benefit with gifts of modern weapons, when Tewodros committed suicide, Menelik II arranged for an official rejoicing and celebration of his death even though he was personally saddened by the loss. When the British asked him why he did this, he replied to satisfy the passions of the people, as for me, I should have gone into a forest to weep over. I have now lost the one who educated me, and toward whom I had always cherished filial, Menelik II was cunning and strategic in building his power base. Another Italian writes of Menelik II, had the curiosity of a boy, great intelligence and great mechanical ability. Menelik II spoke with great economy and rapidity and he never became upset, Chiarini adds, listening calmly, judiciously with good sense. He is fatalistic and a soldier, he loves weapons above all else
Menelik II of Ethiopia
Menelik II of Ethiopia
–
Menelik II
Menelik II of Ethiopia
–
Portrait of Menelik II.
Menelik II of Ethiopia
–
Taytu Betul, the third wife of Menelik.
39.
Zewditu I of Ethiopia
–
Zewditu was Empress of Ethiopia from 1916 to 1930. Zewditu was also the last Empress regnant in world history, baptised as Askala Maryam, but using the given name Zewditu, the future Empress was the eldest daughter of the then Negus Menelik of Shewa, the future emperor Menelek II of Ethiopia. Zewditu is an Amharic word meaning the Crown, though it sometimes appears erroneously Anglicized as Judith, with which it is not cognate and her mother, Weyziro Abechi, was a noblewoman of Wollo and a brief companion of Menelek. Her mother had separated from Menelik when Zewditu was very young, Negus Menelik later married Taytu Betul, but had no children by this wife. Menelik had three acknowledged children, Zewditu herself, a son Asfaw Wossen who died in infancy, and another daughter Shewa Regga, the mother of Lij Iyasu, Meneliks eventual heir. However, the Emperor remained closest to Zewditu, who also had relations with her stepmother Empress Taytu. In 1886 the ten-year-old Zewditu was married to Ras Araya Selassie Yohannes, son, the marriage was political, having been arranged when Menelik agreed to submit to Yohannes rule. Yohannes and Menelik eventually fell into conflict again, however, with Menelik launching a rebellion against Yohannes rule, Zewditus marriage was childless, being very young during her marriage, although her husband had fathered a son by another woman. When Araya Selassie died in 1888, she left Mekele and returned to her fathers court in Shewa, despite the hostility between Menelik and Yohannes, Zewditu managed throughout the conflict to maintain good relations with both. Zewditu had two marriages, both brief, before marrying Ras Gugsa Welle. Gugsa Welle was the nephew of Empress Taytu, Zewditus stepmother, Zewditu had already been on good terms with Taytu, but the establishment of a direct tie between the two helped cement the relationship. Unlike her prior marriages, Zewditus marriage to Gugsa Welle is thought to have been happy, upon the death of Emperor Yohannis IV at the Battle of Metemma against the Mahdists of the Sudan, Negus Menelik of Shewa assumed power and become Emperor of Ethiopia in 1889. This restored the direct male line succession of the dynasty, as Emperor Yohanness claim to the throne was through a link to the line. As the daughter of Menelik II, Zewditu would be the last monarch in direct descent from the Solomonic dynasty. Her successor Haile Selassie was also linked in the female line, Menelik died in 1913, and Lij Iyasu, the son of Zewditus half-sister Shewa Regga, who had been publicly declared heir apparent in 1909, took the throne. Iyasu considered Zewditu a potential threat to his rule, and exiled her and her husband to the countryside, due to fears of instability that might be caused, the cabinet of ministers decided not to publicly proclaim the death of Menelik II. As a result, Iyasu was never proclaimed as Emperor Iyasu V. However. However, Iyasu quickly encountered problems with his rule and he was never crowned and he was widely disliked by the nobility for his unstable behavior, and the church held him in suspicion for his alleged Muslim sympathies
Zewditu I of Ethiopia
–
Zewditu
40.
Iyasu V of Ethiopia
–
Iyasu V, also known as Lij Iyasu, was the designated but uncrowned Emperor of Ethiopia. His baptismal name was Kifle Yaqob, because he was never crowned emperor, he is usually referred to as Lij Iyasu, Lij meaning child, especially one born of royal blood. Lij Iyasu was born in Wollo during the reign of Menelik II of Ethiopia and his mother, Woizero Shoaregga, was the eldest daughter of Menelek. Iyasus father was Ras Mikael, Governor of Wollo and longstanding friend of Menelik, Mikael had been born Mohammed Ali and was a Muslim until 1875, when he was obliged to convert to Christianity. According to the rules of succession, the next direct patrilineal descendant was the grandson of Meneliks uncie. His other three heirs were all in the female line, the first of these was his oldest grandson, Dejazmach Wosan Seged, son of his daughter Shoagarad Menelik by her first marriage to Wedadjo Gobena. The second heir of the line was his younger grandson Lij Iyasu. Finally, the heir of the female line was Meneliks elder daughter Woizero Zewditu. Menelik refused to consider Taye Gulilat whom he deeply disliked, Wosan Seged was eliminated from consideration due to dwarfism. In March 1908, at any rate, Wosan Seged was in poor health and it was clear that the aristocracy would not respect a woman as their leader, so Zewditu was also not seriously considered at this time. On 11 June 1908, after experiencing a stroke while on pilgrimage to Debre Libanos, however, due to Iyasus youth, Menelik agreed to the suggestion that he appoint a Regent during the minority of his heir apparent. Until Iyasu came of age, the elder statesman Ras Tessema Nadew would be Regent Plenipotentiary, however, that marriage was annulled without having been consummated. Subsequently in April 1910, Iyasu married Sabla Wangel Hailu, the daughter of Ras Hailu Tekle Haymanot of Gojjam, not long after his decision that Lij Iyasu would succeed him, Emperor Menelik succumbed to further strokes. These eventually left him a shell of his once-powerful self. In response to Taitus intriguing, a number of nobles organized in an alliance against her. On 28 October 1909, after a stroke, Meneliks choice of Iyasu as his heir was made public with Ras Bitwoedded Tessema Nadew as regent. The new regent found his authority undermined not only by the living but paralyzed Emperor Menelik. For example, she insisted that questions from the legations in Addis Ababa be directed to her
Iyasu V of Ethiopia
–
Iyasu V
Iyasu V of Ethiopia
–
Lij Iyasu with the new regent, Ras Tessema
Iyasu V of Ethiopia
–
Iyasu and his retinue, ca. 1914.
41.
Haile Selassie I
–
Haile Selassie I,23 July 1892 –27 August 1975), born Tafari Makonnen Woldemikael, was Ethiopias regent from 1916 to 1930 and emperor from 1930 to 1974. He also served as Chairperson of the Organisation of African Unity from 25 May 1963 to 17 July 1964 and 5 November 1966 to 11 September 1967 and he was a member of the Solomonic Dynasty. At the League of Nations in 1936, the emperor condemned the use of weapons by Italy against his people during the Second Italo–Ethiopian War. His regime was also criticized by rights groups, such as Human Rights Watch, as autocratic. Among the Rastafari movement, whose followers are estimated at two and four million, Haile Selassie is revered as the returned messiah of the Bible. Beginning in Jamaica in the 1930s, the Rastafari movement perceives Haile Selassie as a figure who will lead a future golden age of eternal peace, righteousness. Haile Selassie was an Ethiopian Orthodox Christian throughout his life and he is a defining figure in Ethiopian history. Haile Selassie died on 27 August 1975 at the age of 83, Haile Selassie was known as a child as Lij Tafari Makonnen. Lij is translated as child, and serves to indicate that a youth is of noble blood and his given name, Tafari, means one who is respected or feared. Like most Ethiopians, his personal name Tafari is followed by that of his father Makonnen and his Geez name Haile Selassie was given to him at his infant baptism and adopted again as part of his regnal name in 1930. As Governor of Harer, he known as Ras Teferi Makonnen listen. Ras is translated as head and is a rank of nobility equivalent to Duke, in 1916, Empress Zewditu I appointed him to the position of Balemulu Siltan Enderase. In 1928, she granted him the throne of Shoa, elevating his title to Negus or King, on 2 November 1930, after the death of Empress Zewditu, Ras Tafari was crowned Negusa Nagast, literally King of Kings, rendered in English as Emperor. Upon his ascension, he took as his regnal name Haile Selassie I, Haile means in Geez Power of and Selassie means trinity—therefore Haile Selassie roughly translates to Power of the Trinity. Haile Selassies full title in office was By the Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, King of Kings of Ethiopia, Elect of God. This title reflects Ethiopian dynastic traditions, which hold that all monarchs must trace their lineage to Menelik I, who was the offspring of King Solomon, to Ethiopians, Haile Selassie has been known by many names, including Janhoy, Talaqu Meri, and Abba Tekel. The Rastafari movement employs many of these appellations, also referring to him as Jah, Jah Jah, Jah Rastafari, Haile Selassies royal line originated from the Amhara people, but he also had Oromo, and Gurage roots. He was born on 23 July 1892, in the village of Ejersa Goro and his mother was Woizero Yeshimebet Ali Abba Jifar, daughter of the renowned Oromo ruler of Wollo province Dejazmach Ali Abba Jifar
Haile Selassie I
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Haile Selassie I in 1969
Haile Selassie I
–
Lij Teferi Makonnen at age 3
Haile Selassie I
–
Ras Makonnen Woldemikael and his son Lij Tafari Makonnen
Haile Selassie I
–
Dejazmatch Tafari, as governor of Harar
42.
Ethiopian Highlands
–
The Ethiopian Highlands is a rugged mass of mountains in Ethiopia, situated in the Horn region in Northeast Africa. It forms the largest continuous area of its altitude in the continent, with little of its surface falling below 1500 m and it is sometimes called the Roof of Africa due to its height and large area. Most of the Ethiopian Highlands are part of central and northern Ethiopia, in the southern parts of the Ethiopian Highlands once was located the Kingdom of Kaffa, a medieval early modern state, whence the coffee plant was exported to the Arabian peninsula. The land of the kingdom is mountainous with stretches of forest. The land is fertile, capable of three harvests a year. The term coffee derives from the Arabic qahwah and is traced to Kaffa, the Highlands are divided into northwestern and southeastern portions by the Main Ethiopian Rift, which contains a number of salt lakes. The northwestern portion, which covers the Tigray and Amhara Regions, includes the Semien Mountains and its highest peak, Ras Dashan, is the highest peak in Ethiopia. Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, also lies in the portion of the Ethiopian Highlands. The southeastern portions highest peaks are located in the Bale Zone of Ethiopias Oromia Region, the Bale Mountains, also designated a national park, are nearly as high as those of Semien. The range includes peaks of over 4000 m, among these are Mount Tullu Demtu, which is the second-highest peak in Ethiopia, and Mount Batu. Most of the major cities are located at elevations of around 2, 000–2,500 m above sea level, including historic capitals such as Gondar. The Ethiopian Highlands began to rise 75 million years ago, as magma from the Earths mantle uplifted a broad dome of the ancient rocks of the Arabian-Nubian Shield. Around 30 million years ago, a basalt plateau began to form. Most of the flows were tholeiitic, save for a layer of alkali basalts and minor amounts of felsic volcanic rocks. In the waning stages of the flood basalt episode, large explosive caldera-forming eruptions also occurred, the Ethiopian Highlands were eventually bisected by the Great Rift Valley as the African continental crust pulled apart. This rifting gave rise to large alkaline basalt shield volcanoes beginning about 30–31 million years ago, the predominant climate type of the Ethiopian Highlands is tropical monsoon, and have a climate which is generally considerably cooler than other regions at similar proximity to the Equator. Because the highlands elevate Ethiopia, located close to the equator, further, these mountains catch the precipitation of the monsoon winds of the Indian Ocean, resulting in a rainy season that lasts from June until mid-September. These heavy rains cause the Nile to flood in the summer, the habitats are somewhat different on either side of the Great Rift Valley that splits the highlands
Ethiopian Highlands
–
The
Semien Mountains with the tallest peak
Ras Dashen (4,550 m) in the Ethiopian Highlands are a
World Heritage Site and include the
Semien Mountains National Park
Ethiopian Highlands
–
A coffee cup from the era of the
Kaffa Kingdom
Ethiopian Highlands
–
Dendi Caldera, a collapsed volcano in the mountain region
43.
Red Sea
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The Red Sea is a seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean, lying between Africa and Asia. The connection to the ocean is in the south through the Bab el Mandeb strait, to the north lie the Sinai Peninsula, the Gulf of Aqaba, and the Gulf of Suez. The Red Sea is a Global 200 ecoregion, the sea is underlain by the Red Sea Rift which is part of the Great Rift Valley. The Red Sea has an area of roughly 438,000 km2, is about 2250 km long and. It has a depth of 2211 m in the central median trench. However, there are also extensive shallow shelves, noted for their marine life, the sea is the habitat of over 1,000 invertebrate species, and 200 soft and hard corals. It is the worlds northernmost tropical sea, the International Hydrographic Organization defines the limits of the Red Sea as follows, On the North. The Southern limits of the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba, a line joining Husn Murad and Ras Siyyan. Red Sea is a translation of the Greek Erythra Thalassa, Latin Mare Rubrum, Arabic, البحر الأحمر. Al-Baḥr Al-Aḥmar, Somali Badda Cas and Tigrinya Qeyyiḥ bāḥrī, the name of the sea may signify the seasonal blooms of the red-coloured Trichodesmium erythraeum near the waters surface. A theory favored by modern scholars is that the name red is referring to the direction south. The basis of this theory is that some Asiatic languages used color words to refer to the cardinal directions, herodotus on one occasion uses Red Sea and Southern Sea interchangeably. Historically, it was known to western geographers as Mare Mecca. Some ancient geographers called the Red Sea the Arabian Gulf or Gulf of Arabia. C, in that version, the Yam Suph is translated as Erythra Thalassa. The Red Sea is one of four seas named in English after common color terms — the others being the Black Sea, the White Sea and the Yellow Sea. The direct rendition of the Greek Erythra thalassa in Latin as Mare Erythraeum refers to the part of the Indian Ocean. The earliest known exploration of the Red Sea was conducted by ancient Egyptians, one such expedition took place around 2500 BC, and another around 1500 BC. Both involved long voyages down the Red Sea, historically, scholars argued whether these trips were possible
Red Sea
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Red Sea
Red Sea
–
Tihama on the Red Sea near Khaukha,
Yemen
Red Sea
–
Annotated view of the Nile and Red Sea, with a dust storm
Red Sea
–
Dust storm over the Red Sea
44.
Gulf of Aden
–
The Gulf of Aden is a gulf located in the Arabian Sea between Yemen, on the south coast of the Arabian Peninsula, and Somalia in the Horn of Africa. In the northwest, it connects with the Red Sea through the Bab-el-Mandeb strait and it shares its name with the port city of Aden in Yemen, which forms the northern shore of the gulf. Historically, the Gulf of Aden was known as The Gulf of Berbera, however, as the city of Aden grew during the colonial era, the name of Gulf of Aden was popularised. The waterway is part of the important Suez Canal shipping route between the Mediterranean Sea and the Arabian Sea in the Indian Ocean with 21,000 ships crossing the gulf annually. The name of the Gulf was inspired by the former British Crown Colony city of Aden, the Somali names are Gacanka Cadmeed or Gacanka Saylac. The International Hydrographic Organization defines the limits of the Gulf of Aden as follows, on the Northwest – The eastern limit of the Gulf of Tadjoura. On the East – The meridian of Cape Guardafui, the temperature of the Gulf of Aden varies between 15 °C and 28 °C, depending on the season and the appearance of monsoons. The Gulf of Aden is a waterway for shipping, especially for Persian Gulf oil. Approximately 11 percent of the worlds petroleum passes through the Gulf of Aden on its way to the Suez Canal or to regional refineries. The main ports along the gulf are Aden in Yemen, Djibouti City in Djibouti, in earlier history, the city of Crater, located just south of the modern city of Aden, was an important port in regional trade. In the late 2000s, the gulf evolved into a hub of pirate activity, by 2013, attacks in the waters had steadily declined due to active private security and international navy patrols. India receives USD50 billion in imports and sends USD60 billion in exports through this area annually, because of this and for the sake of protecting the trade of other countries, India keeps a warship escort in this area. Also see Piracy in Gulf of Aden, a geologically young body of water, the Gulf of Aden has a unique biodiversity that contains many varieties of fish, coral, seabirds and invertebrates. This rich ecological diversity has benefited from a lack of pollution during the history of human habitation around the gulf. However, environmental groups fear that the lack of an effort to control pollution may jeopardize the gulfs ecosphere. Whales, dolphins, and dugongs were common before being severely reduced by commercial hunts, including by mass illegal hunts by Soviet Union
Gulf of Aden
–
A
dhow in the Gulf of Aden.
Gulf of Aden
–
Gulf of Aden
45.
Menelek II of Ethiopia
–
Emperor Menelik II GCB, GCMG, baptized as Sahle Maryam, was Negus of Shewa, then Emperor of Ethiopia from 1889 to his death. Ethiopia was transformed under Emperor Menelik, the major signposts of modernization were put in place, Menelik expanded his kingdom to the south and east, expanding into Kaffa, Sidama, Wolayta and other kingdoms. He is widely called Emiye Menelik in Ethiopia for his forgiving nature, Abeto Menelik was born in Angolalla, near Debre Birhan, in the Amhara Region. He was the son of Negus Haile Melekot of Shewa and Woizero Ijigayehu, Woizero Ijigayehu was a lady in the household of Haile Melekots grandmother, the formidable Woizero Zenebework, widow of Merid Azmatch Wossen Seged, and mother of King Sahle Selassie of Showa. Most sources indicate that no marriage took place between Haile Melekot and Woizero Ijigayehu, Sahle Selassie ordered his grandson legitimized. Menelik II had been born at Angolala in the Amhara region, prior to his death in 1855, Negus Haile Melekot named Menelik as successor to the throne of Shewa. Shortly after Haile Melekot died, Menelik was taken prisoner by Emperor Tewodros II, following Emperor Tewodros IIs conquest of Shewa, he had young Sahle Maryam transferred to his mountain stronghold of Magdala. Still, Tewodros treated the young prince well and he even offered him the hand of his daughter Altash Tewodros in marriage, which Menelik accepted. Upon Meneliks imprisonment, his uncle, Haile Mikael, was appointed as Shum of Shewa by Emperor Tewodros II with the title of Meridazmach, however, Meridazmach Haile Mikael rebelled against Tewodros, resulting in his being replaced by the non-royal Ato Bezabeh as Shum. However, Ato Bezabeh in turn then rebelled against the Emperor, although the Shewan royals imprisoned at Magdala had been largely complacent as long as a member of their family ruled over Shewa, this usurpation by a commoner was not palatable to them. Enraged, Emperor Tewodros slaughtered 29 Oromo hostages then had 12 Amhara notables beaten to death with bamboo rods, Abeto Menelik entered Ankober and proclaimed himself Negus. While Negus Menelik reclaimed his ancestral Shewan crown, he laid claim to the Imperial throne. Not wishing to take part in the 1868 Expedition to Abyssinia, he allowed his rival Kassai to benefit with gifts of modern weapons, when Tewodros committed suicide, Menelik II arranged for an official rejoicing and celebration of his death even though he was personally saddened by the loss. When the British asked him why he did this, he replied to satisfy the passions of the people, as for me, I should have gone into a forest to weep over. I have now lost the one who educated me, and toward whom I had always cherished filial, Menelik II was cunning and strategic in building his power base. Another Italian writes of Menelik II, had the curiosity of a boy, great intelligence and great mechanical ability. Menelik II spoke with great economy and rapidity and he never became upset, Chiarini adds, listening calmly, judiciously with good sense. He is fatalistic and a soldier, he loves weapons above all else
Menelek II of Ethiopia
Menelek II of Ethiopia
–
Menelik II
Menelek II of Ethiopia
–
Portrait of Menelik II.
Menelek II of Ethiopia
–
Taytu Betul, the third wife of Menelik.
46.
Amda Seyon I of Ethiopia
–
Amda Seyon I was Emperor of Ethiopia, and a member of the Solomonic dynasty. His conquests of Muslim borderlands greatly expanded Ethiopian territory and power in the region, Amda Seyon asserted the strength of the newly installed Solomonic dynasty and therefore legitimized it. These expansions further provided for the spread of Christianity to frontier areas, sparking an era of proselytization, Christianization. It is argued there is sufficient evidence to show that Amda Seyon was the son of Wedem Arad. It is not known how Amda Seyon became Emperor, however, there are a few pieces of information that indicate that he may have been involved in the succession struggle against Wedem Arad. Emperor Amda Seyons army was remarkably similar to the organization of the army during ancient Aksumite times. It consisted of two parts, the first, his army, was very effective and closely attached to the Royal Court. These local units would, as in Aksumite times, form a unit and fight together. The central army was divided into independent regiments, each with its own specialized name, such as Qeste-Nihb, Hareb Gonda, the independent regiments competed for the kings favor, who raised and nourished them from childhood. The regiments were led by a loyal commander directly responsible to Amda Seyon. His own son, Saf-Asegid, commanded one of these divisions, the specialized regiments tied their fortune to that of the Emperor and were most likely taken from the best soldiers from around the country. His central army consisted of regional regiments similar to those of his local militias. They were drawn mainly from newly conquered provinces and shared a cultural and those who were to serve the Emperor were given military training, probably under a commander from the same region and loyal to the Emperor. The Emperor improved the army, which until his reign was not as heavily armed as his Muslim adversaries. The 14th century Arab historian al-Umari noted regarding Ethiopian troops that their weapons of war are the bow with arrows resembling the nussab, swords, spears, some warriors fight with swords and with narrow and long shields. But their principal weapon is the spear which resembles a long lance, there are some who fling darts which are short arrows, with a long bow resembling a cross-bow. The Ethiopian armys strength was mainly numerical, but Amda Seyon did much to improve his armys equipment, increasing the use of swords and daggers, the Emperor also formed a special regiment of shield-bearers that was probably used to guard his archers. The note describes his conquest first of Damot, many of people he exiles to another area
Amda Seyon I of Ethiopia
–
Map of medieval Ethiopian provinces, with sub-provinces in smaller lettering and neighboring groups in italics.
47.
Ahmad ibn Ibrihim al-Ghazi
–
Ahmad ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi the Conqueror was a Imam and General of the Adal Sultanate who invaded Abyssinia and defeated several Abyssinian emperors. Imam Ahmad is regarded by scholars as an ethnic Somali. Imam Ahmad was born in 1506 just 30 miles away from Harar, Ahmad spent most of his childhood in the city of Harar. Due to the rule during the reign of Sultan Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad, Ahmad would leave Harar for Hubat. He married Bati del Wambara, the daughter of Mahfuz, the Governor of Zeila, in 1531, Bati would give birth to their first child named Muhammad. Ethiopian historians such as Azazh Tino and Bahrey have written that during the period of his rise to power, Imam Ahmad maintained the discipline of most of his men, defeating Emperor Lebna Dengel at Shimbra Kure that March. The chronicle of Imam Ahmads invasion of Abyssinia is depicted in various Somali, Abyssinian, Imam Ahmad campaigned in Abyssinia in 1531, breaking Emperor Lebna Dengels ability to resist in the Battle of Amba Sel on October 28. The Muslim army of Imam Ahmad then marched northward to loot the island monastery of Lake Hayq, when the Imam entered the province of Tigray, he defeated an Abyssinian army that confronted him there. On reaching Axum, he destroyed the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, the Abyssinians were forced to ask for help from the Portuguese, who landed at the port of Massawa on February 10,1541, during the reign of the emperor Gelawdewos. The force was led by Cristóvão da Gama and included 400 musketeers as well as a number of artisans, da Gama and Imam Ahmad met on April 1,1542 at Jarte, which Trimingham has identified with Anasa, between Amba Alagi and Lake Ashenge. Over the next days, Imam Ahmads forces were reinforced by arrivals of fresh troops. Understanding the need to act swiftly, da Gama on April 16 again formed a square which he led against Imam Ahmads camp, reinforced by the arrival of the Bahr negus Yeshaq, da Gama marched southward after Imam Ahmads force, coming within sight of him ten days later. However, the onset of the season prevented da Gama from engaging Ahmad a third time. On the advice of Queen Sabla Wengel, da Gama made winter camp at Wofla near Lake Ashenge, still within sight of his opponent, knowing that victory lay in the number of firearms an army had, the Imam sent to his fellow Muslims for help. According to Abbé João Bermudes, Imam Ahmad received 2000 musketeers from Arabia, meanwhile, due to casualties and other duties, da Gamas force was reduced to 300 musketeers. After the rains ended, Imam Ahmad attacked the Portuguese camp, da Gama himself, badly wounded, was captured with ten of his men and, after refusing an offer to spare his life if he would convert to Islam, was executed. Gragn was killed by a Portuguese musketeer, who was wounded in avenging da Gamas death. His wife Bati del Wambara managed to escape the battlefield with a remnant of the Turkish soldiers, and they made their way back to Harar, intent on avenging her husbands death, she married his nephew Nur ibn Mujahid on condition that Nur would avenge Imam Ahmads defeat
Ahmad ibn Ibrihim al-Ghazi
–
Ruins of the
Sultanate of Adal in Zeila, Somalia.
48.
Susenyos
–
Susenyos I was Emperor of Ethiopia from 1606 to 1632. His father was Abeto Fasilides, son of Abeto Yakob, who was a son of Dawit II. As a result, while some authorities list Susenyos as a member of the Solomonic dynasty, others consider him, instead of his son, Fasilides, as the founder of the Gondar line of the dynasty. As a boy, a group of Oromo fighters captured him and his father, upon his rescue, he went to live with Queen Admas Mogasa, the mother of Sarsa Dengel and widow of Emperor Menas. His mother was Ḥamälmal Wärq, who conceived Susenyos with Fasilidas while married to another man, in 1590s, Susenyos was perceived as one of the potential successors to the throne, as Emperor Sarsa Dengels sons were very young. In order to him from the competition, Empress Maryam Sena had Susenyos exiled. At the death of his ally, Emperor Za Dengel, he was proclaimed his successor and returned to the realm. Susenyos became Emperor following the defeat of first Za Sellase, then on 10 March 1607 Yaqob at the Battle of Gol in southern Gojjam. After his defeat, Za Sellase became a supporter of Susenyos, but fell out with Susenyos early in his reign, and was imprisoned on an amba in Guzamn. After a year, Za Sellase managed to escape and lived as a brigand for a year until he was killed by a peasant, in 1608, a rebel appeared near Debre Bizen. The pretender managed to disguise the fact he did not resemble Yaqob by keeping part of his face covered, claiming that he had suffered wounds to his teeth. Despite their defeating the three different times, the pretender managed to escape each battle to hide in the mountains of Hamasien. Meanwhile, Emperor Susenyos was preoccupied with raiding parties of the Oromo, an initial encounter with the Marawa Oromo near the upper course of the Reb River ended in a defeat for the Ethiopians, Susenyos rallied his men and made a second attack which scattered the Oromo. The Marawa allied with other Oromo, and the force entered Begemder to avenge their defeat. Upon hearing of this, the Emperor responded by summoning his son-in-law Qegnazmach Julius and Kifla Krestos to join him with their troops, according to James Bruce, the Royal Chronicle of Susenyos reports 12,000 Oromo were killed while only 400 on the Emperors side were lost. Despite this act legitimizing his rule, Susenyos had no luck capturing the pretender, Amsala Krestos induced two brothers who had joined the rebellion to assassinate Yaqob the pretender, who then sent the dead mans head to Susenyos. According to his Royal Chronicle, Susenyos made his power felt along his western frontier from Fazogli north to Suakin, Susenyoss reign is perhaps best known as the brief period in Ethiopian history when Roman Catholic Christianity became the official religion. The Emperor became interested in Catholicism, in due to Pedro Páezs persuasion
Susenyos
–
Ruins of Susenyos' Castle on a peninsula at
Lake Tana
49.
Fasilides
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Fasilides, also known as Fasil or Basilide, was emperor of Ethiopia from 1632 to 18 October 1667, and a member of the Solomonic dynasty. His throne name was ʿAlam Sagad, meaning to whom the world bows and he was the son of Emperor Susenyos I and Empress Sultana Mogassa, born at Magazaz in Shewa before 10 November 1603. His paternal grandfathers name was also Fasilides, Fasilides was proclaimed emperor in 1630 during a revolt led by Sarsa Krestos, but did not reach the throne until his father abdicated in 1632. Once he became emperor, Fasilides immediately restored the status of the traditional Ethiopian Orthodox Church. He sent for a new abuna from the Patriarch of Alexandria and he confiscated the lands of the Jesuits at Dankaz and elsewhere in the empire, relegating them to Fremona. When he heard that the Portuguese bombarded Mombasa, Fasilides assumed that Afonso Mendes, the Roman Catholic prelate, was behind the act, Mendes and most of his followers made their way back to Goa, being robbed or imprisoned several times on the way. In 1665, he ordered the Books of the Franks—the remaining religious writings of the Catholics—burnt and he is commonly credited with founding the city of Gondar in 1636, establishing it as Ethiopias capital. Whether or not a community existed here before he made it his capital is unknown and he is also credited with building seven stone bridges in Ethiopia, as a result all old bridges in Ethiopia are often commonly believed to be his work. Emperor Fasilides also built the Cathedral Church of St Mary of Zion at Axum, Fasilides church is known today as the Old Cathedral and stands next to a newer cathedral built by Emperor Haile Selassie. The rebellion of the Agaw in Lasta, which had begun under his father, continued into his reign and for the rest of his reign he made regular punitive expeditions into Lasta. The first, in 1637, went badly, for at the Battle of Libo his men panicked before the Agaw assault and their leader, Melka Kristos, entered Fasilides palace and took the throne for himself. Fasilides quickly recovered and sent for help to Qegnazmach Dimmo, governor of Semien and these marched on Melka Kristos, who was still at Libo, where he was killed and his men defeated. Fasilides dispatched an embassy to India in 1664–5 to congratulate Aurangzeb upon his accession to the throne of the Mughal Empire, Fasilides died at Azazo,8 kilometres south of Gondar, and his body was interred at St. Stephens, a monastery on Daga Island in Lake Tana. When Nathaniel T. Kenney was shown Fasilides remains, he saw a smaller mummy also shared the coffin, a monk told Kenney that it was Fasilides seven-year-old son Isur, who had been smothered in a crush of people who had come to pay the new king homage
Fasilides
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Fasilides' Castle in
Gondar
Fasilides
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Sebara Dildiy (broken bridge in
Amharic) was one of two stone bridges built over the Blue Nile River during Fasilides reign. Sebara Dildiy was later repaired during Emperor
Menelik II 's reign in 1901. Photo shows repair to bridge performed by USA charity
Bridges to Prosperity in 2001.
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