Hezqeyas facts for kids

Hezqeyas was an Emperor of Ethiopia who ruled from July 26, 1789, to January 1794. He was a member of the Solomonic dynasty, a famous line of rulers in Ethiopia. Hezqeyas was the son of Emperor Iyasu III. His time as emperor was during a period when many different leaders were fighting for power in Ethiopia.

Hezqeyas: An Ethiopian Emperor

Hezqeyas became emperor during a time of much change in Ethiopia. The country was often divided, with different powerful leaders, called Rases and Dejazmaches, trying to gain control. Emperors like Hezqeyas often needed the support of these powerful lords to stay on the throne.

How Hezqeyas Became Emperor

Hezqeyas was living in the Royal prison on Wehni mountain. This was a place where royal family members were often kept. Two important officials, Azaj Dagale and Kantiba Ayadar, brought him out. They made him the new Emperor.

At this time, the reigning Emperor, Tekle Giyorgis, was away. He was fighting against several groups who were rebelling. When Tekle Giyorgis heard about Hezqeyas, he tried to return. However, powerful leaders like Dejazmach Amade and Ali Borshe, who supported Hezqeyas, blocked his way. Tekle Giyorgis had to escape and found safety in Gojjam.

One of Hezqeyas's first actions as emperor was to appoint new governors. He made Ras Haile Yosadiq the governor of Gojjam. He also appointed Fitawrari Ikonyan as Dejazmach of Damot.

Early Challenges to His Rule

The Royal Chronicle, a historical record, tells us more about Hezqeyas's early reign. Soon after Hezqeyas became emperor, Tekle Giyorgis marched back towards Gondar, the capital city. Hezqeyas fled from Gondar when he heard this news.

Hezqeyas gathered his supporters at a place called Kemekem. These supporters included Dejazmach Hailu Eshte and Fitawrari Ikonyan. With more soldiers, Hezqeyas marched back to Gondar. Tekle Giyorgis then left the city and went to Gojjam.

Tekle Giyorgis later returned to Gondar with Ras Haile Yosadiq. But at the last moment, he decided not to fight Hezqeyas. Instead, Tekle Giyorgis went to Mount Wehni. There, he freed his relatives from the royal prison. Hezqeyas's supporters tried to get him back into Gondar, but another leader, Qegnazmach Gualej, had taken control. Hezqeyas's forces defeated Gualej, who then fled.

The Role of Ras Aligaz

For much of Hezqeyas's first year, a very powerful lord named Ras Betwodded Aligaz could not directly help him. Aligaz was busy securing his own power. He faced resistance from his own family members. Once Aligaz solved his own problems, he sent help to Emperor Hezqeyas.

Even with this support, Hezqeyas's authority was not complete. Tekle Giyorgis, from his safe place in Gojjam, continued to appoint his own officials. The Royal Chronicle says that "the Kingdom was split in two." This meant Ethiopia had two emperors at the same time.

Shifting Alliances and Conflicts

The next year, Tekle Giyorgis had a disagreement with his main supporter, Ras Tekle Yosadiq. Tekle Giyorgis left Gojjam and sought help from other nobles. Eventually, he turned to Ras Aligaz, who agreed to help. However, when Tekle Giyorgis arrived at Aligaz's palace, he was imprisoned.

Hezqeyas then spent the rainy season of 1790 at Aligaz's palace before returning to Gondar. In 1791, the only notable action recorded for Hezqeyas was sending a special robe to Ras Aligaz. This showed his respect and alliance with the powerful Ras.

Hezqeyas's Later Reign

In 1792, Emperor Hezqeyas seemed to act against his main supporter, Ras Aligaz. Hezqeyas, along with the head of the church, Abuna Yosab, and the leader of the monasteries, Ichege Wolde Iyasus, held a meeting. They declared they would "not submit to the Galla". This was a clear reference to Aligaz or his family, who were of Oromo background.

Later that year, a battle was fought near Gondar. The Emperor and the church leaders were defeated. The Royal Chronicle states, "And on the coming of the Galla all that was what was done." This suggests Aligaz's forces took control.

Soon after, Haile Wand Bewossen freed Tekle Giyorgis from prison. They went to Lalibela to gather supporters. When Hezqeyas heard that his rival was free, he led an army from Gondar. He met with Ras Aligaz, and they planned their next moves together.

Several battles followed, and Hezqeyas eventually fled. Tekle Giyorgis was restored as emperor. However, his supporters could not agree on what to do next. This led to more divisions in the country.

Towards the end of Hezqeyas's reign, one powerful warlord, Dejazmach Wolde Gabriel, entered Gondar. He started making decisions about appointments and dismissals without the Emperor's permission. A few months later, another leader, Balambaras Asserat, entered the city to remove Wolde Gabriel. During the fighting, part of the Royal Enclosure in Gondar was set on fire.

Hezqeyas made one last attempt to keep his throne before the end of 1793. He entered Gondar with the support of Qegnazmach Mare'ed, Dejazmach Gugsa, and Dejazmach Aklog. However, Hezqeyas quickly returned to Ras Aligaz's camp. His supporters stayed in Gondar for only a month before leaving for their own regions.

Later Life

The Royal Chronicle mentions that Hezqeyas met his son, Emperor Egwale Seyon, in 1802. This happened when Hezqeyas was traveling from Zage to Gondar. His son then accompanied him for the rest of his journey.

The traveler Henry Salt wrote that Hezqeyas was still alive during Salt's visit to northern Ethiopia in 1809 or 1810. Hezqeyas died on September 13, 1813.