Mikael Sehul facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mikael Sehul |
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| Ras | |
Ras Mikael Sehul purported burst coin
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| Governor of Tigray Province | |
| Reign | 1748–1784 |
| Predecessor | probably Takle |
| Successor | Wolde Selassie |
| Born | Blatta Mikael 1692 Naeder, Tigray Province, Ethiopian Empire |
| Died | 1784 (aged 91–92) |
| Issue | Ras Faris the Great |
| Father | Abeto Hezeqeyas Wolde Hawaryot |
| Mother | Woizero Ishate Mariam |
| Religion | Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo |
Mikael Sehul (born Blatta Mikael; 1692 – 1784) was a powerful nobleman in Ethiopia. He served as a regent, which means he ruled the country for several emperors for about 25 years. He was also the governor, or Ras, of the Tigray region from 1748 to 1771, and again from 1772 until he died. He played a very important role in Ethiopian politics during the time of Emperor Iyasu II and the rulers who came after him.
The Scottish explorer James Bruce met Mikael Sehul during his travels in Ethiopia. Bruce wrote down what he saw and heard when he met the Ras:
"We went in, and saw the old man sitting upon a sofa; his white hair was dressed in many short curls. He appeared to be thoughtful, but not displeased; his face was lean, his eyes quick and vivid, but seemed to be a little sore from exposure to the weather. he seemed to be about six feet high, though his lameness made it difficult to guess with accuracy. His air was perfectly free from constraint, what the French call degagée. In face and person he was liker my learned and worthy friend, the Count de Buffon, than any two men I ever saw in the world. They must have been bad physiognomists that did not discern his capacity and understanding by his very countenance. Every look conveyed a sentiment with it: he seemed to have no occasion for other language, and indeed spoke little."
This description tells us that Mikael Sehul was an old man with white hair. He looked thoughtful and intelligent. James Bruce thought he was very wise and didn't need many words to show what he was thinking.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Mikael Sehul was born in 1692. His parents were Abeto Hezeqeyas Wolde Hawaryot and Woizero Ishate Mariam. Abeto was a title for a prince from a branch of the royal family. His family claimed to be descendants of the Solomonic dynasty, which was the ruling family of Ethiopia.
Mikael's first official wife was Woizero Walatta Gabr'el. Later, he married Princess Aster, who was the daughter of Empress Mentewab. These marriages connected him even more closely to the imperial family.
Rise to Power
Mikael Sehul first became known in 1745. He was involved in a problem when a group of people went to Cairo to find a new Abuna (a high-ranking bishop) for Ethiopia. On their way back, the new Abuna Yohannes was held for ransom. This was a serious insult to the empire.
At that time, Mikael was a Dejazmach, a military commander. He was sent on a mission by Emperor Iyasu II to punish those who held the Abuna. However, Mikael was already very powerful. He was soon forgiven for any issues and continued to grow his influence.
Mikael later had a disagreement with his superior, Ras Anda Haymanot. Mikael returned to Adwa, a city he made stronger. Adwa was important because it was on a main trade route between Massawa and Gondar. By collecting fees from trade, Mikael built a large army of 8,000 men, many armed with muskets. In 1759, he fought and defeated Anda Haymanot.
Becoming Regent
During the rule of Emperor Iyoas I, Mikael Sehul became even more connected to the royal family. He married Princess Aster, the daughter of Empress Mentewab. His son, Wolde Hawaryat, also married another daughter of the Empress. Around this time, Mikael was given the important title of Ras.
When Emperor Iyasu II died, his son Iyoas became emperor. A big disagreement started between Empress Mentewab (the late emperor's mother) and Welete Bersabe (the late emperor's wife and Iyoas's mother). Empress Mentewab believed she should still be a co-ruler. But Welete Bersabe thought it was her turn to lead the court.
The young Emperor Iyoas sided with his mother, Welete Bersabe. Both empresses called their relatives and their armies to Gondar, the capital city. The city was filled with soldiers, and it looked like a big fight was about to happen.
To stop the conflict, Empress Mentewab asked her son-in-law, Ras Mikael Sehul, to help. Mikael arrived with a large army of 26,000 soldiers. He promised to help solve the problem between the two queens. He took control of Gondar and became very powerful in the government.
Political Control and Conflict
On January 22, 1768, Mikael was given the titles Ras Bitwodad (Chief Minister) and Enderase (Regent of the Empire). His growing power worried Emperor Iyoas. The Emperor secretly tried to have Mikael removed. He ordered Mikael to return to Tigray.
However, Ras Mikael did not obey. He defeated the Emperor's army and returned to Gondar. He then called together the important noblemen. Mikael showed them proof that Emperor Iyoas had planned to have him killed. The noblemen agreed that this was a very serious crime.
Ethiopian law said that a king could not be killed. So, they decided to keep the Emperor confined in his palace. But Mikael Sehul then ordered the Emperor's death in January 1769. This event deeply saddened both Empress Mentewab and Empress Welete Bersabe. Empress Mentewab went to her palace and never took part in state affairs again. Empress Welete Bersabe also left Gondar. Some historians say that the murder of Emperor Iyoas I marked the beginning of the "Zemene Mesafint" era. This was a time when the power of the monarchy weakened, and regional nobles became very strong, leading to a period of less central control.
Later Years and Legacy
After Emperor Iyoas I's death, Ras Mikael chose the next two emperors. First, he appointed Yohannes II, who was not very effective and was quickly replaced. Then, he chose Tekle Haymanot II.
Even though Mikael had great power over the throne, the people of Gondar rebelled against him. Ras Mikael responded with harsh actions in 1770. However, he could not control the countryside. Armies from other regions, led by Fasil, Goshu, and Wand Bewossen, joined forces to fight him.
These armies met south of Teda in a series of battles known as the Three battles of Sarbakusa. Ras Mikael was defeated and surrendered on June 4, 1771. Wand Bewossen kept Mikael Sehul imprisoned for a year. After that, Mikael was either sent back to Tigray to live out his final years as governor, or he chose to retire there.
Mikael Sehul was followed by his son, Wolde Samuel, then his grandson, Wolde Gabriel, and his nephew, Gabre Maskal. Eventually, Ras Wolde Selassie of Enderta took over.
Ras Mikael also played a role in the Ethiopian Church. He supported the Karva Haymanot doctrine, which was a specific belief within the church.
Images for kids
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Princess Aster of Gondar
