Ras Alula Engida Abba Nega: The Ethiopian General Who Defied Empires & Became One of Africa’s Greatest Military Leaders

Ras Alula Engida (1845 – 15 February 1897), whose full title in Ge’ez is ራስ አሉላ እንግዳ, was an influential Ethiopian general and statesman. He became renowned for his leadership in military engagements against various adversaries, including the forces of Read More …

The Mysterious Queen Who Burned Down Ethiopia’s Ancient Empire – The Legend of Queen Gudit

History remembers kings, conquerors, and emperors. But every so often, a figure emerges who defies the expected order. In Ethiopia’s long and rich past, one such figure was Gudit—a mysterious queen accused of burning churches, destroying monuments, and toppling the Read More …

Juan Latino (Juan de Sessa): From Enslaved African to Pioneering Professor in 16th-Century Spain

Juan Latino, who was also known as Juan de Sessa, was an intriguing figure in history. Born around 1518 in Ethiopia, he made his mark as a Spanish professor of Ethiopian descent at the University of Granada during the sixteenth Read More …

King Kaleb of Axum: Saint Elesbaan – The Remarkable King of Aksum

Kaleb of Axum, also known as Saint Elesbaan, was a distinguished ruler whose reign left an indelible mark on Ethiopian and regional history. His notable achievements and influence resonated not only within the territories of the Axumite Kingdom, but also Read More …

Susenyos I: Emperor of Ethiopia and the Challenges of his Era

Susenyos I (Ge’ez: ሱስንዮስ Sūsinyōs; c. 1571-1575 – 17 September 1632), commonly known as Susenyos the Catholic, was Emperor of Ethiopia from 1607 until 1632. He belonged to the Solomonic dynasty. His throne names were Seltan Sagad and Malak Sagad III. Read More …

Empress Taytu Betul: A Key Player in Ethiopian History

Empress Taytu Betul, also known as Wälättä Mikael, left an indelible mark on Ethiopian history through her influential role as Empress of Ethiopia from 1889 to 1913. Born in 1851, she rose to prominence as the third wife of Emperor Read More …

Mohammed Abdullah Hassan: The Father of Somali Nationalism and Dervish Movement Leader

Mohammed Abdullah Hassan, also known as the “Mad Mullah,” was a prominent figure in Somali history, revered for his leadership and unwavering commitment to Somali nationalism. Born in 1856 in the Ogaden region, Hassan grew to become a symbol of Read More …

Zara Yaqob: Emperor of Ethiopia and His Reign

Zara Yaqob, also known as Emperor Kwestantinos I, was a prominent figure in Ethiopian history and a member of the revered Solomonic dynasty. He ruled the Ethiopian Empire with an iron fist, leaving a lasting impact on the nation during Read More …

Menelik II, The Visionary Emperor of Ethiopia: A Legacy of Expansion and Modernization

Menelik II, also known as Sahle Maryam, was a pivotal figure in Ethiopian history, leaving an indelible mark on the nation through his ambitious leadership and far-reaching accomplishments. Born in 1844 in Angolalla, Menelik was the son of the Shewan Read More …

Ethiopia’s King Memnon – The African Legend and Achilles’ Equal in Myth

King Memnon of Ethiopia was a notable figure in Greek mythology, known for his remarkable skills as a warrior and his pivotal role in the Trojan War. Born as the son of Tithonus and Eos, he was revered as a Read More …