Menelik I facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Menelik I ምኒልክ
Detail from a larger painting in the church at Axum
Emperor of Ethiopia (traditional)
Reign	982–957 B.C. (E.C.) 975–950 B.C. (G.C.) (according to Tafari Makannon's King List) 954–930 B.C. (Alternate dates from E. A. Wallis Budge)
Predecessor	Makeda
Successor	Hanyon or Tomai (depending on the king list)
Born	c.1000 B.C.
Dynasty	House of Solomon
Father	King Solomon
Mother	Queen of Sheba

Menelik I (pronounced Mənilək) was the legendary first Emperor of Ethiopia. An old book called the Kebra Nagast, written in the 1300s, tells his story. It says that Menelik I started the Solomonic dynasty in Ethiopia around 1000 BC. This dynasty was named after his father, King Solomon of ancient Israel. His mother was Makeda, the famous Queen of Sheba.

Menelik's Early Life

The Kebra Nagast says Menelik's real name was Bäynä Ləḥkəm. This name means "son of the wise" in Arabic. His mother, the Queen of Sheba, raised him in her homeland. She taught him about the Jewish faith.

Menelik first met his father, King Solomon, when he was in his twenties. He traveled all the way to Jerusalem to see him. King Solomon wanted Menelik to stay and rule Israel. But Menelik decided he wanted to go back home.

So, King Solomon sent many people from Israel with Menelik. They were meant to help him rule Ethiopia fairly. Some stories say King Solomon gave the Ark of the Covenant to his son. Other stories say Menelik and his friends took the Ark with them. The Ark was said to have special powers. These powers helped Menelik keep it safe. After his mother passed away or gave up her throne, Menelik became the King of Ethiopia.

One Ethiopian story says Menelik was born near a village called Addi-Shmagle. This village is located in Eritrea, north-west of Asmara.

The Solomonic Dynasty

Legend says Menelik I started the Solomonic dynasty in Ethiopia. This family line supposedly ruled Ethiopia for almost 3,000 years. This long rule ended in 1974 when Emperor Haile Selassie was removed from power. He was believed to be the 225th ruler in this line.

Historical records show the Solomonic dynasty was truly brought back in 1270 AD. A ruler named Yekuno Amlak took over. He said he was a descendant of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. He overthrew the previous rulers, the Zagwe dynasty. He claimed they were not from the "house of Israel," meaning not from Solomon's family.

Menelik's Tomb

There is a place believed to be the tomb of Menelik I. It is about 2 Kilometres west of Axum. In 1906, a German team explored the site. They found old walls and a room there. The religious leaders in Axum gathered bones. They said these bones belonged to Menelik I. They placed them in the Axum Sion Cathedral.

The Ark of the Covenant

Ethiopian tradition says the Ark of the Covenant came to Ethiopia with Menelik. It was brought by the first-born sons of the Israelites who traveled with him. People believe the Ark is kept safe in Axum today.

No one is allowed to enter the special place where it is kept. Only one monk is chosen to guard it for his whole life. This monk is not allowed to leave the church courtyard. The Ark was moved for safety during times of trouble. This happened during the persecution by Gudit in the 900s. It also happened during the Ethiopian-Adal war in the 1500s. During these times, it was moved south to Lake Ziway. Later, it was brought back to Axum.

See also

• Menelik II of Ethiopia
• Ark of the Covenant
• Kebra Negast
• List of legendary monarchs of Ethiopia

Images for kids

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  Emperor Menelik I Bringing the Zion Tabot (Ark of the Covenant) to Axum.