Tekle Haymanot I of Ethiopia

Tekle Haymanot I (throne name Le`al Sagad) was negus negust (27 March, 1706 - 30 June, 1708) of Ethiopia, and a member of the Solomonid dynasty. He was the son of Iyasu I and Empress Malakotawit. He is often refered to as "Irgum Tekle Haymanot" or "Tekle Haymanot the Cursed"

Related Topics:
Negus negust - 27 March - 1706 - 30 June - 1708 - Ethiopia - Solomonid dynasty - Iyasu I

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Tekle Haymanot became Emperor following Iyasus' retirement to an island in Lake Tana. With the support of his mother Empress Malakotawit, some of the officials argued, after the precedent of king Kaleb, that Iyasu had abdicated, and crowned Tekle Haymanot negus negust in Gondar. This act was not embraced by the entire state, and the resulting civil strife led to Iyasu's murder at the order of his son Tekle Haymanot.

Related Topics:
Lake Tana - Kaleb - Gondar

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In September, 1707, a rebel in Gojjam declared himself negus negust under the name Amda Seyon, and made his way to the capital city, where he had himself crowned. Tekle Haymanot quickly returned to Gondar, despite the difficulty of travel during the rainy season, forced the usurper to flee, and celebrated his triumph. However his unpopularity for having ordered the murder of his widely revered father was profound and he never overcame it. The involvement of his mother Melekotawit, and the acceptance of his position by other members of the dynasty did irreprable harm to the image of the monarchy. His own courtiers plotted against him, and discussions abounded about whether it was worthy to keep such a corrupt dynasty in power.

Related Topics:
1707 - Gojjam - Amda Seyon - Rainy season

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While travelling in the provinces, Tekle Haymanot was stabbed to death by some of his late father's courtiers.1

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Some historians date the biggining of the Ethiopian Zemene Mesafint or "Era of the Princes" (a time of disorder when the power of the monarchy was eclipsed by the power of local warlords) the murder of Iyasu the Great by his son Tekle Haymanot, and the resultant decline in the prestige of the dynasty.

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