Heroes and Heroines

Kasongo Nyembo I, (circa 1860-1931) was the Mulopwe or chief of the Luba state during a period of great political, social, and economic upheaval. In...

Kasongo Kiniama (circa 1850-circa 1890) was an African adventurer who participated in the slave trade to enrich himself and to advance his political ambitions. By...

Dajazmach Gabra Selassé Barya Gabr (1872-October 14, 1930) was a warrior, governor, and counsellor of Emperor Menilek II. He came from an aristocratic family of...

Nagadras Gabra Heywat Baykadagn (1888-1919), an Ethiopian civil servant, was a distinguished writer in the field of political economy. He was born in the province...

Abba Gabra Hanna Jemma (circa 1896-December 1960), also known as Abba Hanna, was personal chaplain to Emperor Haile Selassie [reigned 1930-74]. The son of Fitawrari...

Abba Za-Mikael Aragawi (later 5th-early 6th centuries) is one of the Nine Saints of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Like the eight other Saints – Abba...

Zawditu (1876-April 1, 1930), empress of Ethiopia from 1916-30, was the natural child of Emperor Menilek II [reigned 1889-1913], and became the first reigning female...

Za-Sellasé (15?-June 26, 1607) was one of the main instigators of many rebellions during the reign of Emperors Yaegob (reigned 1597-1603), and Za-Dengel (1603-04). Born...

Dabtara Zannab (who flourished in the 1850s and 1860s) also called Alaqa Zannab, was the keeper of the royal archives during the reign of Emperor...

Yohannes IV (1831-March 10, 1889) was emperor of Ethiopia from 1872-89. During his reign he was obliged not only to consolidate his power within his...