Tewoflos facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tewoflosቴዎፍሎስ |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emperor of Ethiopia | |||||
| Reign | 1 July 1708 – 14 October 1711 | ||||
| Predecessor | Tekle Haymanot I | ||||
| Successor | Yostos | ||||
| Died | 14 October 1711 | ||||
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| Dynasty | House of Solomon | ||||
| Father | Yohannes I | ||||
| Religion | Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo | ||||
Tewoflos (Ge'ez: ቴዎፍሎስ), also known by his throne name Walda Anbasa (Ge'ez: ወልደ አንበሳ), was an Emperor of Ethiopia. He ruled from July 1, 1708, until October 14, 1711. Tewoflos was a member of the Solomonic dynasty, a famous line of Ethiopian rulers. He was the brother of Emperor Iyasu I and one of the five sons of Yohannes I.
How Tewoflos Became Emperor
After his nephew, Emperor Tekle Haymanot I, died, Tewoflos was freed from a place called Mount Wehni. He was then made the new Emperor.
At first, Tewoflos faced a challenge from his nephew's young son, who was only four years old. This young boy was supported by a powerful official named Yohannes and the Empress Malakotawit. The boy was even crowned at Emfraz.
However, Tewoflos acted quickly. He had Yohannes and other people, who were accused of being involved in Tekle Haymanot's death, arrested. They were then sent away from the capital.
Tewoflos's Rule and Challenges
According to a historian named James Bruce, Tewoflos first pretended he would not seek revenge on those involved in his brother Iyasu's death. But this was a trick. Once they let their guard down, he took action.
Tewoflos accused his late nephew, Emperor Tekle Haymanot, of being responsible for his father's death. Because of this, Tekle Haymanot has been known as Irgum, which means "Cursed," ever since. Empress Malakotawit and her two brothers faced severe punishment. Bruce wrote that many people were punished that day. Soon after, Tewoflos ordered that everyone involved in the plot against his brother Iyasu I be found and punished.
Tewoflos also started the process to make his brother Iyasu I a saint. This is called canonization.
His time as Emperor was not peaceful. In 1709, a man named Nebahne Yohannes claimed to be the new Emperor. This revolt lasted until July 1710. Tewoflos also had to support a certain religious belief, even though some monks did not agree with it. He reportedly told them he did this to keep the region of Gojjam under his control.
Tewoflos died in October 1711 under unclear circumstances. He was buried in a place called Teda.
