Heroes and Heroines

Empress Manan (circa 1800-1850s), or Manan Liben-Amdié, was the mother of Ras Ali Alula, and the wife of Yohannes III (reigned 1840-55). Born of a...

Yeshaq (?-December 21, 1580) was a loyal servant of Emperors Lebna Dengel [reigned 1508-40] and Galawdéwos  [reigned 1540-59], but became a dangerous enemy of his...

Amoako Atta I (1853-February 2, 1887), or Kwasi Panin, was the Okyehene (Omanhene, or paramount chief) of Akyem Abuakwa (reigned 1867-80 and 1885-87) at the...

Ras Bitwadad Makonnen Endalkachew (February 16. 1890-February 27, 1963) was a civil servant, a devoted courtier of Emperor Haile Selassie [reigned 1930-74], and the author of...

Yekuno Amlak (12?-1285) ruled as emperor of Ethiopia from 1270-85. He was the founder or “restorer” of the Solomonic dynasty (whose members claimed descent from...

Cheikh Anta Diop was born in Diourbel, Senegal on December 23, 1933 to a Muslim Wolof family. Part of the peasant class, his family belonged...

Ras Se’ela Krestos (15?-1636), the younger brother of Emperor Susneyos [reigned 1607-32] was responsible for the emperor’s conversion to Catholicism. Se’ela Krestos’ father was a...

Ras Sebehat Aragawi (186?-February 25, 1913) was descended from the ruling family of Sibagadis of Agamé, in Tegré, and was governor of Agamé for periods...

Sayzana (4th century AD) was one of the brothers of Emperor Ezana, ruler of Aksum, in whose reign Christianity was introduced to Ethiopia. Sayzana appears...

Yared (who lived in the 6th century) was a scholar, musician, and ecclesiastic who was a formative influence on the cultural life of Ethiopia, and...