Emperor of Ethiopia

The Emperor of Ethiopia (Amharic ??? ????, niguse negest, "King of Kings") was the hereditary ruler of Ethiopia until the abolition of the monarchy in 1975. The Emperor was not only the head of state, but the ultimate executive, judicial and legislative power in that country. As noted in a National Geographic Magazine article, Ethiopia is "nominally a constitutional monarchy; in fact a benevolent autocracy."1

Ideology

The Emperors of Ethiopia derived their right to rule based on two claims: their descent from the kings of Axum, and their descent from Menelik I, the son of Solomon and Makeda, Queen of Sheba.

Related Topics:
Axum - Menelik I - Solomon - Queen of Sheba

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The claim to their relationship to the Kings of Axum derives from Yakuno Amlak's claim that he was the descendant of Dil Na'od, through his father, although he defeated and killed the last Zagwe king in battle. His claim to the throne was also helped by the fact he married that king's daughter, even though Ethiopians commonly do not acknowledge claims from the distaff side.

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The claim of descent from Menelik I is based on the assertion that the kings of Axum were also the descendants of Menelik I. 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 claim vary widely. Some, including many inside Ethiopia, accept it as evident and undisputed fact. At the other extreme, some 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 either 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 primary materials, it is not possible as of 2005 to determine which theory is the more plausible.

Related Topics:
10th century - Propaganda - Ethiopian Orthodox Church - Saba - Exilic - Kingdom of Judah - As of 2005

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