Mentewab facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mentewabምንትዋብ |
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| Itege | |||||
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Itege (Empress) Mentewab lying prostrate at Mary's feet at Nerga Selassie in Lake Tana, 1748.
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| Empress of Ethiopia | |||||
| Tenure | 8 November 1723 – 19 September 1730 | ||||
| Coronation | 23 December 1730 | ||||
| Born | c. 1706 Qwara, Begemder Province, Ethiopian Empire |
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| Died | 27 June 1773 (aged 66–67) Qwasqwam Palace, Gondar, Begemder Province, Ethiopian Empire |
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| Burial | Monastery Church of St Mary of Qwasqwam | ||||
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| Issue | Iyasu II Woizero Walatta Takla Haymanot Woizero Walatta Israel Woizero Aster Woizero Altash |
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| Dynasty | House of Solomon | ||||
| Father | Dejazmatch Manbare of Dembiya | ||||
| Mother | Woizero Yenkoy | ||||
Mentewab (Ge'ez: ምንትዋብ; born around 1706 – died June 27, 1773) was a powerful Empress of Ethiopia. She was the wife of Emperor Bakaffa. She was also the mother of Emperor Iyasu II and the grandmother of Emperor Iyoas I.
Empress Mentewab was a very important political leader. She played a big role in the government during the reigns of her son, Emperor Iyasu, and her grandson, Emperor Iyoas. She was also known by her baptismal name, Walatta Giyorgis, and an honorific title, Berhan Mogassa, which means "Light of Grace." This title was given to her to go along with her son Iyasu II's title, Berhan Seged.
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Life of Empress Mentewab
Mentewab was born in the Qwara province of Ethiopia. Her father was Dejazmach Manbare of Dembiya, and her mother was Woizero Yenkoy. Mentewab married Emperor Bakaffa in Qwara on September 6, 1722. She became his second wife.
After her husband, Emperor Bakaffa, passed away, Empress Mentewab formed a relationship with his nephew. This younger man was sometimes called "Melmal Iyasu" by people at the royal court. He was a prince from the Solomonic dynasty, a very important royal family. Mentewab had three daughters with "Melmal Iyasu": Altash, Walatta Israel, and the well-known Woizero Aster Iyasu. Aster later married a powerful leader from Tigray named Ras Mikael Sehul.
Mentewab's Buildings in Gondar
Empress Mentewab was known for building many important structures in Gondar, the capital city at the time. She built her own castle inside the Royal Enclosure, which was a special area for the royal family. She also built a large hall for banquets and celebrations.
One of her most significant projects was a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This church was built at a place called Qusquam, which was named after a site in Egypt where the Holy Family stayed during their exile. Qusquam is located in the mountains outside of Gondar. Next to her church, Empress Mentewab also built a palace. This palace became her favorite place to live.
Empress Mentewab's Political Power
When her son, Iyasu II, became emperor in 1730, Empress Mentewab was crowned as a co-ruler. This meant she shared power with him. She had a lot of influence over the government during his reign, which was very unusual for a queen at that time. She had royal ancestors who had reigned centuries before, giving her a strong claim to power.
After her son died in 1755, Mentewab wanted to continue her important role in the court. However, Wubit (also known as Welete Bersabe), who was Iyasu's widow, believed it was her turn to lead. Wubit was the mother of the new emperor, Iyoas.
This disagreement between the two queens caused tension. Mentewab called her relatives from Qwara to Gondar to support her. In response, Wubit called her own relatives, the Oromo, and their strong forces. To prevent a big conflict, Mentewab asked the powerful Mikael Sehul to help settle the dispute. Mikael Sehul later became her son-in-law. When he arrived in Gondar, he was given the important title of Ras.
Later Life and Retreat
Empress Mentewab was deeply saddened by a tragic event involving her grandson. After this event, she decided to leave the city of Gondar. She moved to her palace at Qusquam, where she had built the church. She buried her grandson there, next to her son. Mentewab lived in seclusion at her Qusquam palace until the end of her life.
Children of Empress Mentewab
Empress Mentewab had children with Emperor Bakaffa and with Fitawrari Iyasu Milmal.
Her children with Emperor Bakaffa were:
- Abetohun Agaldem Iyasu, who later became Emperor Iyasu II.
- Woizero Walatta Takla Haymanot.
Her children with Fitawrari Iyasu Milmal were:
- Woizero Walatta Israel.
- Woizero Aster, who married powerful leaders, including Ras Mikael Sehul.
- Woizero Altash (also known as Eleni).
See also
In Spanish: Mentewab para niños
