Eleni of Ethiopia facts for kids

Eleni (Ge’ez: እሌኒ, "Helena") was an important Empress of Ethiopia. She became Empress by marrying Zara Yaqob, who ruled from 1434 to 1468. Later, she served as a regent, which means she helped rule the country, between 1507 and 1516. This happened when Emperor Dawit II was too young to rule by himself.

Eleni played a big part in the Ethiopian government throughout her life. She often acted as a co-ruler or a trusted advisor to several emperors. One old document, Bruce 88, says she was part of the palace life for three famous emperors: Zara Yaqob, his son Baeda Maryam I, and Na'od.

Empress Eleni's Early Life

Eleni was the daughter of the King of Hadiya. Her kingdom was invaded by Emperor Zara Yaqob because they didn't pay their yearly tribute. Eleni was captured and later married Zara Yaqob. She also converted to Christianity.

After this, the rulers of Hadiya asked the Adal Sultanate for help. This led to a big conflict in the region, known as the Ethiopian-Adal war. Some historical writings suggest that Eleni might have had a son, but this is not fully clear.

Eleni's Political Power

After Emperor Zara Yaqob passed away, his son Baeda Maryan I became the next emperor. He gave Eleni the special title of Queen Mother. This was because his own mother was no longer alive.

Eleni proved to be a very strong and helpful member of the royal family. Historians like Paul B. Henze say she was almost like a co-ruler during Baeda Maryan's time.

Eleni's Role in Government

When Eskender became emperor after his father, Eleni was at first pushed away from power by a powerful official named Amda Mikael. However, around 1486, she helped lead a change in leadership at the palace. This led to Amda Mikael being removed from power.

After this, Eleni took on a very important role in the government. Her influence continued even when Emperor Na'od came to power.

Choosing a New Emperor

The Portuguese missionary Francisco Álvares learned from the religious leader Abuna Marqos VIII that after Emperor Na'od died in battle, "he and Queen Eleni made him [Lebna Dengel] King." This shows just how much power Eleni had. She and the Abuna were able to choose the next emperor because they had the support of many important people.

Eleni as Regent

Eleni understood that Ethiopia faced a growing danger from the expanding Ottoman Empire in the region. With advice from Pêro da Covilhã, she sent an ambassador named Mateus to the King of Portugal and the Pope in Rome. This was a very important diplomatic mission.

Eleni served as the main regent for the young Emperor Lebna Dengel. She worked alongside his mother, Dowager Empress Na'od Mogassa, and a senior male relative, Ras Degelhan of Gojjam.

Eleni's Talents and Influence

Álvares also noted that Eleni owned large areas of land in the province of Gojjam. Others described her as being very talented in many ways. They said she was good at:

• Practicing righteousness and having strong faith.
• Praying and receiving Holy Communion.
• Preparing food for the royal table.
• Knowing a lot about books.
• Understanding the law.
• Handling state affairs.

Because of these qualities, the King loved Queen Eleni very much. He thought of her like his own mother.

Eleni's Passing

The exact date of Eleni's death is not completely certain. However, historians believe she died at an old age in the 1520s. Evidence from Álvares's writings suggests she passed away in April 1522. Álvares was in Ethiopia when she died and wrote that her death caused great sadness among the people.

There was a great rumour and talk at the Court about the death of Queen Eleni. They said that since she had died all of them had died great and small, and that while she lived, all lived and were defended and protected; and she was the father and mother of all.

—Francesco Álvares, The Prester John of the Indies (1520–26; published 1540), p.434

See also

In Spanish: Elena de Etiopía para niños