(ማስታወቂያ)
Tewodros II (ዳግማዊ ቴዎድሮስ), is an Ethiopian emperor who lived from 1818 to 13 April 1868 and ruled Ethiopia from 1855 to 1868. His reign is recognized as the start of modern Ethiopia because it marked the end of the decentralized Zemene Mesafint (Princes' Era). Tewodros II is one of the most fascinating and puzzling figures in Ethiopian history. His birth name was Kassa Hailu.
Known for his efforts to modernize Ethiopia and resist foreign influence, Tewodros II rose to become one of the most powerful rulers in the country's history. However, Tewodros II also had a complicated personal life, with multiple wives and children, and his reign was marked by both triumphs and controversies. In this article, we will explore some little-known and intriguing aspects of Tewodros II's life and legacy, revealing the man behind the myths and legends. From his early years as a bandit and rebel leader to his establishment of a centralized government, we'll delve into the key events and achievements of Tewodros II's reign. So let’s start…
As a young man, Tewodros began to develop a reputation as a skilled warrior and leader, and he joined a local militia group that fought against neighboring tribes and factions. In the 1840s, Tewodros II began to distinguish himself as a rebel leader, leading a series of successful campaigns against the local rulers in the region of Dembiya.
He soon became known as a fierce and charismatic leader, capable of rallying his followers with his powerful speeches and bold tactics. In 1855, he staged a rebellion against one of the last Zemene Mesafint rulers, Emperor Dejazmach Wube, and declared himself the new ruler of Ethiopia. Tewodros II's early life as a rebel leader was a key factor in his later success as emperor of Ethiopia. His military campaigns and leadership skills helped him to gain the support of his followers and establish himself as a powerful and influential figure in Ethiopian society. However, his early years were also marked by conflict and violence, as he fought to establish his authority and overcome his rivals.
At the time of Tewodros II's rise to power in the mid-19th century, Ethiopia was a decentralized and fragmented country, with various regional rulers competing for power and influence. Tewodros II saw the need for a centralized government that could unite the country and establish a system of law and order. To achieve this goal, Tewodros II took a number of steps to establish a centralized government. • He created a standing army, which he used to suppress regional uprisings and enforce his authority. • He established a system of taxation, which allowed him to fund his military campaigns and government projects. • He also established a bureaucracy, which was responsible for administering the various regions of the country and enforcing the law. Perhaps Tewodros II's most significant achievement in establishing a centralized government was his creation of a new capital city, which he called Magdala. Located in the highlands of Ethiopia, Magdala was designed to be a symbol of Tewodros II's power and authority. It was also home to a number of government offices and institutions, including a library, a coin production facility (mint), and a printing press. Tewodros II's efforts to establish a centralized government were not without controversy, however. Many regional rulers resented his attempts to centralize power, and there were numerous uprisings and rebellions against his authority. Tewodros II's efforts to modernize Ethiopia and resist foreign influence also put him at odds with some of the country's traditional institutions, such as the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Despite these challenges, Tewodros II's establishment of a centralized government was a significant achievement that laid the groundwork for future reforms and modernization efforts in Ethiopia. His efforts to create a unified and centralized Ethiopian state helped to strengthen the country's political and social institutions and laid the foundation for Ethiopia's future development as a modern nation-state.
He was a strong supporter of the arts and sciences, seeing them as essential components of a modern and vibrant Ethiopian society. He believed that the development of literature, music, and architecture was important to creating a cultural identity for Ethiopia and promoting its standing on the world stage. One of Tewodros II's most significant achievements in the arts was his patronage of Ethiopian literature. He encouraged the development of a written Amharic language, which was previously an oral language, and supported the publication of a number of important literary works. Some of the most significant literary works of Tewodros II's reign include the Kebre Negast, a religious text that recounts the history of the Ethiopian monarchy, and the Fetha Nagast, a legal code that was used in Ethiopia for centuries. Tewodros II was also a patron of Ethiopian music, promoting the development of new musical styles and supporting the work of Ethiopian musicians. He was particularly interested in the development of the krar, a traditional Ethiopian stringed instrument, and encouraged musicians to experiment with new techniques and styles. In addition to literature and music, Tewodros II also supported the development of Ethiopian architecture. He was responsible for the construction of a number of important buildings, including the new capital city of Magdala, which was designed to be a symbol of his power and authority. He also supported the construction of new churches and monasteries, which were important centers of learning and culture in Ethiopian society. Tewodros II's legacy in the arts and sciences is an important part of his overall legacy as a ruler of Ethiopia. His efforts to promote Ethiopian culture and identity helped to strengthen the country's social and political institutions and laid the foundation for future developments in these fields.
Tewodros II was a devoted Orthodox Christian and saw the Ethiopian Orthodox Church as an important institution in Ethiopian society. He believed that the Church had a critical role to play in promoting the spiritual and moral values of the Ethiopian people and was committed to defending the Church's interests and autonomy. One of Tewodros II's most significant actions as a defender of the faith was his efforts to preserve and protect the Church's historical artifacts and manuscripts. He recognized the importance of these artifacts as symbols of Ethiopia's cultural and religious heritage and worked to ensure their preservation and protection. Tewodros II also played an important role in resolving a longstanding dispute between the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and the Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt. The dispute centered on the appointment of a new patriarch for the Ethiopian Church, and Tewodros II played an important role in mediating the dispute and securing the appointment of a new patriarch who was acceptable to both sides. Despite his commitment to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Tewodros II's reign was not without controversy in this area. He was known for his strong-willed personality and sometimes clashed with the Church's leadership over issues such as the appointment of bishops and the Church's role in society. Nevertheless, his overall legacy as a defender of the faith is an important part of his legacy as a ruler of Ethiopia, and his efforts to promote the Church's interests and autonomy helped to strengthen the institution and its role in Ethiopian society.
Tewodros II was a charismatic leader who was known for his ability to inspire and motivate his followers.
He had a powerful presence and a forceful personality that commanded respect and loyalty from those around him. His speeches were known for their eloquence and passion, and he had a talent for rallying his troops and supporters with his words. Tewodros II was also a determined and strong-willed leader who was committed to achieving his goals, no matter the obstacles. He was willing to take bold and decisive action, even if it meant going against the established norms and traditions of Ethiopian society. His determination and courage were evident in his military campaigns, where he often led his troops from the front lines. Despite his charismatic leadership style, Tewodros II's reign was not without controversy. Some of his actions, such as his decision to imprison British diplomats and his conflict with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, were viewed as provocative and led to tensions with other powerful groups in Ethiopian society. Nevertheless, Tewodros II's legacy as a charismatic leader is an important part of his overall legacy as a ruler of Ethiopia. His ability to inspire and motivate his followers helped him to gain and maintain power, and his determination and strong will helped him achieve his vision of a united and modern Ethiopian state.
Tewodros II was keenly aware of Ethiopia's position in the world and recognized the importance of establishing diplomatic relationships with other countries. He made efforts to establish relationships with European powers, including Britain and France, and sent diplomatic missions to other African kingdoms and empires. One of Tewodros II's most significant diplomatic efforts was his attempt to establish a relationship with Britain. He sent multiple letters to Queen Victoria, requesting her assistance in modernizing Ethiopia and establishing trade relationships between the two countries. However, his efforts were met with resistance from the British government, who viewed Tewodros II as a potential threat to their interests in the region. Tewodros II's conflict with the British ultimately led to his downfall. In 1868, he imprisoned a group of British diplomats who had been sent to negotiate with him, and the British government responded by sending an expeditionary force to Ethiopia. The resulting conflict, known as the British Expedition to Abyssinia, ultimately led to Tewodros II's defeat and death. Despite his conflicts with foreign powers, Tewodros II's diplomatic efforts were an important part of his legacy as a ruler of Ethiopia. His efforts to establish relationships with other countries helped to raise Ethiopia's profile on the international stage and laid the groundwork for future diplomatic relationships.
Tewodros II was a skilled military strategist who was known for his tactical abilities and his ability to inspire and lead his troops.
He was able to unite various factions within Ethiopia and create a strong and disciplined army that was capable of defeating enemies on the battlefield. One of Tewodros II's most significant military campaigns was his campaign against the Oromo people, who had long been a source of conflict in Ethiopia. Tewodros II was able to defeat the Muslim Oromo forces expanding throughout Central Ethiopia and establish his authority over much of the country. Tewodros II was also known for his innovative military tactics. He was one of the first Ethiopian rulers to make use of firearms in battle, and he also made use of trenches and other defensive structures to protect his troops and gain a tactical advantage over his enemies. Despite his successes as a military leader, Tewodros II's military campaigns were not without controversy. His conflicts with other regional rulers and foreign powers, such as Britain, led to tensions and conflict that ultimately led to his downfall. Nevertheless, Tewodros II's skill in military strategy and his accomplishments as a military leader are an important part of his legacy as a ruler of Ethiopia. His ability to unite various factions within Ethiopia and create a strong and disciplined army helped to establish his authority over much of the country and laid the groundwork for future military campaigns and successes.
The name Sebastopol was given to a massive artillery mortar commissioned by Ethiopian Emperor Tewodros II. The name was inspired by the Crimean town of Sevastopol, which was the scene of a fight during the Crimean War. The mortar weighed around 6.7 tones and could launch half-ton artillery rounds. Tewodros had welcomed British and French officials, as well as a group of German missionaries, into his kingdom in an effort to accelerate industrialization. Following a series of diplomatic failures and the king's increasingly unstable temperament, all foreigners were imprisoned in 1866. Tewodros directed that artisan missionaries led by Theophilus Waldmeier build brass cannon capable of shooting a 1000 pound cannon projectile. The construction took seven months, and two furnaces were created for the casting. A separate route has to be created to deliver the cannon to Magdala. It took up to 800 men to transport it, and the 200-mile trek took six months. Although there are no records of the mortar being used in the war, it is still half-buried on the plateau at Meqedela, near Amba Mariam. A bronze copy has been created and is on display in Tewodros Square, Churchill Avenue, Addis Abeba.
Tewodros' severe policies had made him increasingly unpopular over the years, and many regional figures had rebelled against him. As the expeditionary army marched towards Magdala, where the Emperor had fortified the mountainside, some willingly supported the British by giving guides and supplies. On 10 April 1868, the British defeated the Abyssinian army at Arogye, in the plain facing Magdala. With Tewodros' army decimated, many of his men deserted, leaving the emperor with only 4,000 soldiers. Tewodros II committed suicide on Easter Monday, 13 April 1868, as the British troops stormed the citadel of Magdala.
He was said to have used a pistol he had used during wars for unity, but in truth, he used a dueling weapon gifted to him by Queen Victoria and delivered by Consul Cameron. Tewodros II was buried by the British troops at Magdala's Medhane Alem Orthodox Church under the name of Theodore II. The impact of Tewodros II's death on Ethiopia was significant.
