Heroes and Heroines

Gobana Dachi (1821-July 1889) was a conquering general who expanded the Ethiopia of Menilek II (reigned as emperor 1889-19131) to the south and west. Gobana...

Abba Giyorgis (13?-1425), usually known as Giyorgis of Segla (or Gasech) was a famous author of religious books. His father was Hezba Tseyon, a chaplain...

Francisco Alvares (14?-circa 1542) was a Portuguese Roman Catholic priest who wrote the first detailed travel book about Ethiopia, the Verdadera Informaçam das terras do...

Gedewon (15?-1624) was ruler of the Falasha (Ethiopians of Jewish faith) for almost 40 years, from 1586-1624. He was the kinsman of Gushan or Gwashan,...

Lalibala (later 12th-earlier 13th centuries) ruled as emperor of Ethiopia from about 1182 to at least 1225, and possibly later. He later became a saint...

Ali Gwangul (17?-1788), known as Ali the Great, was the founder of a Galla dynasty of Rases (high commanders) who controlled much of what was...

Ahmad Ibn Ibrahim (1506-1543), nicknamed Grāñ, meaning the left-handed, was the leader of the 16th-century Muslim conquest of Ethiopia. He was born in the state...

Alaqa Aganaw Engeda (1903-1948) was a leading 20th-century Ethiopian artist and poet. Born in Mahedara Maryam in Bagemder province, he was educated in the customary...

Abraha (6th century AD) was an Aksumite general who became viceroy of South Arabia. He established his seat of government at the city of San’a’,...

Abara Kassa (1905-December 21, 1936) was a commander of Ethiopian forces during the Italian invasion of 1935-36. He played a leading role in the abortive...