Who was Menelik II? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Sahle Maryam, Abba Dagnew

Died At Age: 69

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Altash Tewodros, Befana Gatchew, Taytu Betul

father: Haile Melekot

children: Zewditu

Emperors & Kings Ethiopian Emperors & Kings

Died on: December 12, 1913

place of death: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Cause of Death: Stroke

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Childhood & Early Life

Menelik II was born as Sahle Maryam on August 17, 1844, in Angolalla, Shewa. His father Haile Melekot was the Negus (King) of Shewa while his mother Woizero Ijigayehu, was a servant in the household of Haile Melekot's grandmother, Woizero Zenebework.

His parents were unmarried at the time of his birth though they got married afterwards. In spite of being born out of wedlock, the child was ordered legitimized by his grandfather, and Haile Melekot named him the successor to the throne of Shewa.

In 1855, Tewodros II, the Emperor of Ethiopia, invaded the kingdom of Shewa. Haile Melekot died in one of the early battles and Menelik was captured and taken to Tewodros II’s mountain stronghold of Magdala. The young prince was just 11 years old.

Tewodros treated the prince well. He took a special interest in his education and ensured that he received martial training and learned about politics. The boy was even made a dejazmach, or earl, and was offered the hand of the emperor’s daughter, Altash, in marriage.

Meanwhile, Menelik’s uncle, Haile Mikael had been appointed as Meridazmach (“Supreme General”) of Shewa by Tewodros II. However, Haile Mikael rebelled against the Emperor and he replaced him with Bezebeh. He too rebelled against the Emperor and proclaimed himself Negus of Shewa.

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Ascension & Reign

After being in the captivity of Tewodros II for ten long years, Menelik was ultimately successful in escaping in July 1865. Aged 21 by now, he was a strong, well-built, and courageous youth who was determined to reclaim the throne of Shewa that rightfully belonged to him.

Menelik returned to Shewa and Bezebeh attempted to raise an army against him. However, Menelik had overwhelming public support and he proclaimed himself Negus.

After reclaiming Shewa, he set his ambitions higher and laid claim to the imperial throne. However, he did not take any overt action for as long as Emperor Tewodros was alive. Tewodros died in 1868 and Menelik decided to take action regarding his claim to the emperor’s throne.

Menelik was not the only claimant to the throne. Yohannes IV, a very powerful Ethiopian prince also vied for the emperor’s crown and was successful in becoming the Emperor of Ethiopia in1871.

Meanwhile Menelik focused on expanding his territories and directed his ambitions to the south and east. He successfully captured Arusi, Harer (Harar), Jima, Kefa (Kaffa), and several kingdoms of southern Ethiopia thus extensively adding to his territories.

Emperor Yohannes was killed in the Battle of Gallabat in March 1889, providing an opportunity for Menelik to claim the throne he desperately sought. Menelik acted quickly and was crowned Negus Negast (king of kings), or Emperor, on November 3, 1889.

Menelik had signed the Treaty of Wuchale with the Italians on May 2, 1889, ceding the northern province of Eritrea to Italy. However, there was a confusion regarding the interpretation of an article of the treaty—the Italian version declared Ethiopia in effect a protectorate of Italy while there was nothing in the Ethiopian version to support this claim.

In 1893, Menelik renounced the entire treaty and launched an attack on the Italians who had established themselves along the Red Sea coast. Several small battles were fought between the Italians and the Ethiopians over the years, culminating in the major Battle of Adwa (1896) in which the Ethiopians defeated the Italians.

Following the decisive victory at the Battle of Adwa, Menelik was accepted by the European powers as a formidable political force and the victory also made the emperor an internationally recognized figure.

Major Battles

Menelik is best remembered for the valor he displayed in the Battle of Adwa, which was fought between the Ethiopian army and Italian forces in March 1896. The Ethiopians soundly defeated the Italians who tried to invade the Ethiopian territories and attempted to build their own empire in Africa. It was the first crushing defeat of a European power by African forces during the colonial era.

Personal Life & Legacy

Menelik II was married thrice. His first marriage was to Altash Tewodros in 1864. The short-lived marriage ended in 1865.

He married for the second time in 1865. His second wife was Befana Gatchew, whom he divorced in 1882.

In 1883 he married Taytu Betul, a noblewoman of Imperial blood.

Menelik had fathered several natural children, including the three he recognized: Shoaregga Menelik, Zauditu Menelik, and Asfa Wossen Menelik.

The emperor began suffering from a series of seizures starting from 1906. His health steadily worsened over the years and Taytu Betul ruled on his behalf during his illness.

He died on December 12, 1913 after years of deteriorating health. Ethiopia was ruled by regents for a few years before his oldest daughter Zewditu I succeeded him in 1916.

Menelik II Biography