Ethiopian Rulers

Question 1

Haile Selassie

Answer 1

Last Solomonic emperor. Fought off the invasion in the 2nd Italo-Ethiopian War of 1936. Pushed for a globalized Ethiopia. Overthrown in a coup d’etat by a communist government. R. 1930-1974.

Question 2

Zewditu

Answer 2

Empress of Ethiopia. Without a male heir, shared power with Malenek II’s cousin Haile Selassie. In response the Haile’s successful policies, she transferred power in 1928. R 1916-1928.

Question 3

Menelik II

Answer 3

Solomonic King who expanded Ethiopian land holdings to about its modern size. Ruled from 1889-1913 CE.

Question 4

Kassa Hailu

Answer 4

AKA Tewodros II. Solomonic prince who established the Modern Ethiopian state in 1855, and centralized authority under himself. Ruled from 1855-1868 CE.

Question 5

Yekuno Amlak

Answer 5

First emperor of the Solomonic Dynasty. Traced his ancestry to the last Axumit king, Menelik I, and King Solomon. Ruled from 1270-1285 CE.

Question 6

Dil Na’od

Answer 6

This was the last Axumite king that was married to the Zagwe kings daughter Mara Takla. 9th or 10th Century CE.

Question 7

Mengistu Halle Mariam

Answer 7

Communist leader who overthrew Haile Selassie, the last Solomonic Emperor. He also ushered in the Red Terror, 2 years of mass killings and oppression. R 1977-1991.

Question 8

Menelik I

Answer 8

Semi-mythical first emperor of Ethiopia. Supposed son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. 10th Century BCE.

Question 9

Ezana

Answer 9

Ruled Axum at its height. First Negus to convert to Christianity. 4th Century CE.

Question 10

Lalibela

Answer 10

Ruler of the Zagwe Dynasty at its peak. Built massive churches across the nation. 13th Century CE.

Question 11

Zoskales

Answer 11

Ruler of the Kingdom of Axum who turned the city-state into an empire. 2nd Century CE.