Na'od facts for kids

Na'od (Ge'ez: ናዖድ) was an important Emperor of Ethiopia who ruled from 1494 to 1507. He was part of the Solomonic dynasty, a long line of rulers in Ethiopia. His special royal name was Anbasa Bazar. During his time as emperor, he worked with Queen Eleni to manage challenges within the empire. He also started building a very grand church called Mekane Selassie.

Emperor Na'od's Reign

Na'od was the second son of Emperor Baeda Maryam I and his wife Kalyupe. He was born in a place called Gabarge.

Just like the emperor before him, Eskender, Na'od often asked for advice from the Queen Mother Eleni. Even with her help, his time as emperor had some disagreements and tensions inside the country.

Na'od was very skilled in writing poetry in both Amharic and Ge'ez languages. He was also a well-known author who wrote several religious books.

Building Mekane Selassie Church

Emperor Na'od began building a magnificent church in the Amhara province. This church was planned to be decorated with gold leaf and was known as Mekane Selassie. However, Na'od passed away before the church was finished. He was buried in a tomb inside this church.

His son, Emperor Lebna Dengel, completed the church's construction in 1530. A traveler named Francisco Álvares saw the church while it was being built. He mentioned that local religious leaders did not allow him to enter it. Sadly, not long after it was finished, a leader named Imam Ahmad ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi, also known as Ahmad Gragn, attacked the Amhara province. On November 3, 1531, he looted the church and set it on fire.

Emperor Na'od was killed in a battle against Imam Mafuz from the Adal Sultanate.

Na'od's Military Strength

The defense of the Ethiopian Empire was very strong when Na'od was emperor. He won many battles against Muslim forces.

Some historians believe that Na'od was killed near a place called Jejeno while fighting against Muslim armies. Other accounts suggest he died on his way to stop a Muslim attack in the eastern parts of the empire.

Emperor Na'od's Family

Na'od had five sons:

• Lebna Dengel – He became the next Emperor of Ethiopia after Na'od.
• Victor – He was Lebna Dengel's half-brother and was killed in battle.
• Jacob – He passed away before his father, Na'od.
• Claudius
• Minas