Revolutionaries, Statesmen & Traditional Rulers

Téwodros II, or Theodore (circa 1820-April 13, 1868), reigned as emperor from 1866-68. He reunified Ethiopia’s kingdom into a single empire and was the first...

Taytu Betul (circa 1853-February 11, 1918), empress of Ethiopia, was the wife of Menilek II [reigned 1889-1913]. It was she who gave the name “Addis Ababa”...

Blattengeta Heruy Walda Selasse (May 8, 1878-September 19, 1938) was an author and historian. He also had a career as a government official and diplomat...

Ras Tasamma Nadaw (18?-April 10, 1911), Regent of Ethiopia from 1909-11, was a general, statesman, and confidant of Emperor Menilek II [reigned 1889-1913]. His father, Ato...

Isbrand Goske (circa 1626-1689) was the Dutch governor of the Cape of Good Hope from October 1, 1672 to March 14, 1676. Born in The...

Negus Takla Haymanot (1847-January 10, 1901) was the ruler of Gojam from 1870 to 1901. He was the son of Dajazmach Tassama Goshu, and his...

Goolam H. Gool (1907-December 2, 1962) was a prominent Coloured politician, who aspired to the leadership of the South African Coloured community, a goal he...

Takla Giyorgis (circa 1836-1872), who reigned from 1868-71, was the last Ethiopian monarch to reside at Gondar. Born Gobaze, son of Gabra Madehen, and of...

Emperor Susneyos (circa 1571-September 16, 1632) reigned from 1607-32. He was a strong ruler who imposed his authority on a divided realm. But after he...

Evariste Kimba (July 16, 1926-June 2, 1966) was a political leader during the first years of Congo independence. An early supporter of Katangese rights, he...